The Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Abubakar Robert Ewa is dead.

Ewa passed on Wednesday evening at the Arubah Specialist Hospital in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

As at the time of filing this report, members of the Cross River State Executive Council and other aides of Governor Bassey Otu are gathered at the facility to mourn with the deceased family.

He was present at the state’s executive council meeting earlier on Wednesday which was presided Governor Otu.

Ewa served as Secretary and later, Chairman of the Boki Local Government Council. He also served as Special Adviser Community Relations and Secretary of the Anti-Deforestation Task Force.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party have strongly criticized the N55 billion allocated in the 2025 national budget for maintaining the Presidential Air Fleet, calling it a misplaced priority given the nation’s economic challenges.

The controversial allocation is part of the 2025 Appropriation Bill sent to the National Assembly for approval. If approved, over N55.5 billion will be spent on overhauling three aircraft engines in the presidential fleet, including fuel, fumigation, air navigation, cleaning, and general maintenance.

The Ministry of Aviation’s total budget for 2025 stands at N105.95 billion, with N71.12 billion earmarked for aviation and aerospace development. Other allocations include N9.8 billion for the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, N7.98 billion for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, and N7 billion for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

From July 2023 to September 2024, N19.43 billion was spent on maintaining the Presidential Air Fleet, with N13.55 billion recorded in 2024. The proposed budget for 2025 includes N8.65 billion for air navigation equipment, N5.5 billion for the overhaul of one aircraft engine, and N1.55 billion for fuel costs. N7.5 million has been allocated for cleaning and fumigation, and N311 million for aircraft insurance premiums, which will likely be handled by foreign insurance companies due to the lack of local capacity to insure airliners.

The opposition parties have reacted strongly to these figures. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, the South-West Chairman of the PDP, initially declined to comment on the possibility of acquiring another aircraft but promised to follow up. Abayomi Arabambi, the factional National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, condemned the allocation as “inhuman” and “satanic,” arguing that with millions of Nigerians facing economic hardship, such spending on luxury aircraft was an affront to the masses.

Arabambi also pointed to the recently purchased Airbus A330, which cost over $100 million, as an example of the government’s lavish spending, while noting the administration’s failure to prioritize poverty reduction.

Debo Adeniran, the Executive Chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, called the proposed expenditure a national shame, criticizing the administration for its “love for profligacy.” He urged the government to reassess its priorities and address the needs of the citizens rather than indulging in wasteful spending on luxury travel.

Engineer Olakunle Aina also expressed disappointment, claiming the allocated funds for travel were excessive. “It’s the height of insensitivity,” he said, suggesting that better management could reduce costs while redirecting funds to more pressing needs.

Similarly, trader Mrs. Aina, who saves diligently for a year to accumulate N150,000, said she could not fathom the enormity of the proposed amount for aircraft maintenance, calling it traumatic and unjustifiable in a country where many struggle to survive.

As the National Assembly reviews the budget, public outrage over the allocation continues to grow, highlighting the disconnect between government spending and the economic realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

Dr. Ibrahim Kana, the newly appointed permanent secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has clarified that there is no mandate to revive the controversial ‘Nigeria Air’ project, which involved a partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.

In a statement addressing recent rumours that suggested the federal government might reconsider the deal, Dr. Kana emphasized that no such instructions had been given. His clarification came after widespread speculation regarding the future of the National Carrier project.

It is worth recalling that in 2024, a Federal High Court in Lagos nullified the sale of 49 percent of Nigeria Air’s equity stake to Ethiopian Airlines. Dr. Kana addressed the public’s concerns, stressing that any future decisions regarding a national carrier would depend on favorable conditions and be guided by presidential directives.

Dr. Kana also reiterated his commitment to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, emphasizing a team-oriented approach to improving Nigeria’s aviation sector. “It is an honor and responsibility to help drive the continued growth and innovation in our aviation and aerospace sector,” Kana stated.

Referring to the confusion surrounding his earlier comments, Dr. Kana clarified, “I never said that there is a mandate to revive the botched Nigeria Air deal with Ethiopian Airlines. I received no such instruction. I was referring to the general vision to potentially revisit the national carrier project, but only if it aligns with the country’s interests and under the guidance of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Honorable Minister of Aviation.”

With a strong focus on teamwork and future innovation, Dr. Kana pledged his loyalty to Minister Keyamo, working collaboratively to ensure a promising and progressive future for Nigeria’s aviation industry.