Obi Demands Complete Explanation For International Embarrassment Caused By Seizure Of Presidential Jets

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate for 2023, has described the French Court’s seizure of three Nigeria’s Presidential Jets as an international embarrassment.

In response to the incident, Obi expressed concern about the secrecy surrounding the purchase and sale of Presidential jets, which are the property of the Nigerian people.
In a statement signed by Dr Yunusa Tanko, POMR Spokesman on Thursday, Obi wrote on his X handle, “The trending international news on the seizure of three jets belonging to Nigeria’s Presidential fleet is yet another of many embarrassing things exposing our failed leadership and our attitude towards the rule of law even in a democracy.”
“It has also thrown new light on our leadership failures and our sensitivity to the plight of our growing poor population.
“The fact that the federal government proceeded despite the cacophonous cry against the purchase of a Presidential jet at a time when the people are experiencing horrifying economic hardship demonstrates the administration’s insensitivity.”
“Add to that the embarrassing fact that our country’s Presidential jets are being held for breaches, demonstrating yet another dimension of ineffective leadership.
Over time, I have been vocal about the need for the government at all levels to be accountable to the people, which means being completely transparent in all of their dealings.
“Until a French court prohibited Nigeria from moving or selling these three jets, Nigerians knew nothing about buying and selling. It has been done in secret. The Federal Government’s property, which belongs to the people, is managed as a personal family asset.
“Paying up to $100 million for a presidential jet in a country that is the world’s poverty capital, has more out-of-school children, and has over 40% food inflation is the height of people’s concerns.
“This incident has also highlighted an aspect of indiscipline that is deeply embedded in our country: the abuse and disregard for the rule of law. Here are questions begging for answers:—
To what extent did the Ogun state government adhere to its agreement with the Chinese firm?
What did Ogun State and the Federal Government do before the French court following the UK court ruling that prohibited some Nigerian buildings in Liverpool?
As a result, I would like to challenge the federal government to be open and honest about this matter, telling Nigerians how we got ourselves into this international mess.”