The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the proposal for a new jet for Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing it as insensitive amidst Nigeria’s economic struggles.
Taking to X on Tuesday, Obi emphasized that the country’s leaders should prioritize pressing issues such as extreme poverty, unreliable power grid, and failing businesses.
He noted that Nigeria ranks among the worst-governed African nations and most hungry nations globally.
Nigeria’s per capita income has plummeted from $1700 in 2023 to $1109 this year, making it the poverty capital of the world. Obi argued that this stark reality should take center stage, not luxury acquisitions.
Citing Indonesia as a model, Obi pointed out that the country achieved sustainable economic growth before acquiring a presidential jet in 2014. He suggested that Nigeria’s Vice President should travel on commercial flights for non-essential trips.
Obi urged leaders to minimize travel and use existing resources efficiently. He appealed to the President, Vice President, and public office holders to commit to selfless service, prioritizing the wellbeing of the people and the country’s development.
“We are today among one of the eleven worst-governed African nations in the last 10 years. We are also among the 20 most hungry nations in the world, with our people facing worsening mass poverty, extreme hunger and starvation.
“Our nation remains the poverty capital of the world, with our per capita income crashing further from $1700 in 2023 to $1109 this year. Are these not the issues that should be prioritized by committed leaders?” Obi queried.
Using Indonesia as an example, Obi stated: “It was not until 2014 that Indonesia, with sustainable economic growth of over 6% annually for the past 10 years, adding about 50% to both her GDP and GDP per capita, decide to buy a Presidential jet, used by both the President and Vice President.
“The Vice President travels mostly in the country’s national airline, Garuda Indonesia. And since we have recently undeservedly bought one, it should be used on essential, inevitable trips of the President and Vice President.
“I appeal to the President, Vice President, and our public office holders that our present precarious situation calls only for minimal and highly contributory inevitable travels.
“It is time to sit down and find solutions to our litany of challenges for the wellbeing of the people and the development of our country. Nigeria will rise again if the leadership can commit to selfless service.”
