Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s plan to acquire new jets for President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima.
This move, proposed by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, has drawn significant backlash from Obi, who condemned it as a display of extreme insensitivity to the struggles of Nigerian citizens amidst economic hardships.
In a series of posts on his official social media handle, Obi highlighted the disconnect between the government and the people, particularly in the face of rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness across the country.
He argued that instead of allocating resources to luxuries like new aircraft for political leaders, the government should prioritize addressing the urgent needs of the citizens.
Obi emphasized the current economic challenges Nigeria faces, including a high debt profile and the inability of many Nigerians to afford basic necessities. He pointed out that while the country has dropped to the fourth-largest economy in Africa with significant debt burdens, the government’s decision to spend on luxuries rather than welfare programs exacerbates the plight of the people.
Drawing a comparison with the United States, Obi noted the stark contrast in priorities between the two countries. He highlighted that despite the USA being the world’s largest economy with a much higher GDP per capita than Nigeria, their Vice President resides in a historic house valued significantly lower than the $15 million allocated for the Vice President’s residence in Nigeria.
Obi called for an end to what he termed as impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness in government expenditures, urging a refocus on the critical needs of the Nigerian people. He stressed the importance of prioritizing education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation as essential steps toward improving the welfare of citizens and steering the country towards sustainable development.
In essence, Peter Obi’s stance reflects a strong advocacy for responsible governance that places the well-being of citizens at the forefront, especially during challenging economic times. His critique underscores broader concerns about governance, fiscal prudence, and accountability in Nigeria’s political landscape.
