Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to acquire a new presidential jet when many Nigerians face economic hardships, describing it as a “failure in leadership.” This criticism follows the recent confirmation by the Presidency, through senior aide Bayo Onanuga, of the arrival of a new Airbus A330 jet to replace the aging Boeing B737-700 acquired during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

During an appearance on Channels TV’s “Inside Sources” on Friday, Duke condemned the acquisition, arguing that a true leader should prioritize the well-being of the people over luxury. “There is no glamour in saying your people are going through hard times; it is a failure of your leadership. If I am the head of a family, I want my family to have everything. I don’t want life to be difficult for them,” Duke stated.

Duke urged President Tinubu to view the nation as his own family, emphasizing that the well-being of the citizens should come before personal or governmental extravagance. “Buying a new aircraft or yacht or living large is a failure. You can’t have kids who are hungry and you are living lavishly, going to parties and wearing the biggest agbada,” he added.

Addressing the security challenges facing the country, Duke called for accountability among the heads of security agencies. He insisted that there should be consequences for failing to maintain security, stating, “Hold the security agencies responsible for a failure of security. There should be consequences. You cannot sit down and say you are a DPO, commissioner of police, or you are GOC, and crime is being committed in your domain. Hold them responsible.”