By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticized Borno State House of Assembly Speaker Abdulkareem Lawan for his request for a new aircraft for Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Lawan expressed concerns about the Vice President’s safety due to the continued use of a “faulty” presidential aircraft for international duties, a situation highlighted by Shettima’s recent cancellation of his planned attendance at the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa.

In a statement on X, Obi labeled the demand for a new aircraft as insensitive, suggesting that the Speaker is disconnected from the serious economic challenges currently facing the nation. He emphasized that leaders should focus on issues that benefit the public instead of indulging in selfish desires for unnecessary luxuries that come at the people’s expense.

Obi remarked, “I came across a troubling statement attributed to a political leader who claims that the Vice President’s life is at risk due to issues with his official aircraft. The leader even urged the Federal Government to acquire a new plane for the Vice President. Such comments at this time reveal a lack of sensitivity and concern for the ongoing economic crisis in our country. It is widely known that Nigerians are enduring severe hardship.

“This provocative request comes from someone who seems oblivious to the fact that Nigeria is exhibiting all the signs of a failed state. Over the past decade, we rank among the eleven worst-governed countries in Africa and are among the 20 hungriest nations globally, facing escalating mass poverty, extreme hunger, and starvation.

Nigeria remains the poverty capital of the world, with our per capita income plummeting from $1,700 in 2023 to $1,109 this year. Shouldn’t these critical issues be the priority for responsible leaders?

“Our national electricity grid has collapsed eight times this year alone and 105 times in the past decade, leading to significant losses for small businesses and leaving households in darkness. Over the last 15 months, many businesses have shut down or faced distress due to the harsh economic conditions. Shouldn’t these challenges be what we focus on as leaders instead of catering to our selfish desires for unnecessary luxury at the expense of the people we serve?

“What does the Vice President truly need a new jet for, and what real benefits are all the trips by the President and Vice President providing given our current circumstances?

“Indonesia, for example, only purchased a Presidential jet in 2014 after experiencing sustainable economic growth of over 6% annually for the past decade, which significantly boosted its GDP and GDP per capita. The Vice President primarily travels on the national airline, Garuda Indonesia. Given that we have recently acquired a new aircraft, it should be reserved for essential trips by the President and Vice President.

“I urge the President, Vice President, and all public office holders to recognize that our current precarious situation calls for minimal, yet impactful, travel. Now is the time to come together to find solutions to our myriad challenges for the welfare of our people and the development of our nation. Nigeria can rise again if our leaders commit to selfless service.”