As the controversy rages over plans by the Presidency to acquire new jets for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima costing several billions of Naira, despite the state of the economy, critical elements in the country have kicked against the plan, saying purchasing new aircraft at this time would be insensitive and unpatriotic.
Engineer Heart Ibezim Agunegbe, one of those who spoke to Sunday Independent, said the reality on ground does not favour such purchases.
Engineer Agunegbe cited the nation’s ‘dead economy’, Naira depreciation, inflation of above 33%, the real hunger ravaging the citizens and challenges being faced by the populace, all these which he said, do not in any way justify the purchase of such aircraft at this time.
He added: “Secondly, the government has not been able to arrive at an acceptable minimum (living) wage for the workers.
“The decision to increase the Presidential fleet at this time is truly a scam and highly insensitive by this government.
“The surprising aspect is the uncaring and unconcerned attitude of the leadership of the Senate about the plight of the citizenry to suggest approving such a request or desire of the presidency.
“We have a cream of people whose interests are just themselves and their families and not Nigerian citizens in the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary. May God do something about this wickedness and corruption?”
Dr Victor Mathew, a security expert and Executive Director, Kingdom Advocacy Network (KAN), in his view stated: “In as much as the safety of the President and Vice President are very important, I strongly believe that the purchase of new aircraft should be put on hold or suspended.
“President Tinubu, before he became the President, was said to own a private jet. I think he should be using that for his travels and even loan it to the Vice President.
“The government must not overly give priority to presidential comfort to the detriment of the suffering masses.
“The Vice President just moved into a N22 billion house. That is outrageous.
“What is required now is the downward review of the cost of governance which currently is too high. I think they can charter jets for their travels for now, pending when things improve.
“In summary, I am strongly against the acquisition of new aircraft for the presidential fleet. They should properly maintain what they have now.”
Dr. Rexkennedy Saltlove, a political activist and public affairs analyst, said it has always been his view that the reason the Federal Government’s economic policies keep somersaulting and failing is because political and public officials are completely distanced from the masses and do not feel their pulse.
Dr Saltlove, the President and Executive Director, Citizens Rights and Empowerment Advocacy Initiative (CREMA Initiative), said: “The plan to buy presidential jets worth billions of Naira is another misplaced priority that has led to the economy to be in a mess as it is today.
“They seem to care less as long as their unbridled urge to satisfy their wanton desires is met. If the citizens suffer, if it does not affect them, what is the issue?
“As long as they continue to satisfy themselves from the little fund available that could have been better used to invest in the productive sector, they do not care. Theirs is Consumption Plc Unlimited.
“The Presidential Air Fleet has at least 10 aircraft that contains, but not limited to Boeing Business Jet (or Air Force One) 737, one Gulfstream G550, one Gulfstream G500, one Hawker 4000, two Falcon 7X, two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters and two AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters.”
