The Peoples Redemption Party has expressed strong disapproval of the Presidency’s decision to purchase new luxury jets for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They described the move as “reckless, insensitive, and a clear testament to the government’s detachment from reality.”
This reaction comes after Presidency sources justified the new jets as necessary for enhancing the President’s security and comfort during official trips. However, the purchase has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, who see it as an unnecessary expense and indicative of the government’s disconnect from the populace.
On Monday, the PRP released a statement, signed by Muhammed Ishaq, the party’s Acting National Publicity Secretary. In it, the PRP criticized the government for prioritizing the President’s comfort over the welfare of Nigerians, many of whom are grappling with economic hardship and poverty. The party questioned the rationale behind such an expenditure given the country’s current economic challenges and accused the government of being out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
The PRP pointed out that the Presidential jet purchased in 2003 is only 19 years old and questioned why the government is not following the examples set by countries like China and the US, which have used their presidential jets for 24 and 34 years, respectively. They demanded that the government reconsider this “wasteful expenditure” and instead focus on delivering tangible benefits to the Nigerian people.
The party called on all well-meaning Nigerians to join them in condemning this spending and demanding better governance. The PRP’s statement included strong language emphasizing the party’s position:
“The government’s decision to purchase new airplanes for the Presidential fleet is a clear testament to their detachment from reality and lack of empathy and accountability. They are prioritizing luxury spending over the welfare of the people, despite the country’s crippling economic woes and citizens struggling to make ends meet. It is unconscionable that the government is indulging in lavish spending sprees when the economy is in ruins, inflation rates are inching towards 40%, and workers’ wages have not been reviewed. They should focus on addressing the pressing issues of poverty, unemployment, and economic stagnation.”
The statement further highlighted the efficiency of resource management in other nations: “Other countries like China and the US have shown that it is possible to manage with fewer resources. China purchased its Presidential jet from Boeing in 2000 and has been flying it for 24 years, while the US has a Presidential jet manufactured by Boeing that was purchased in 1990 and has been used by six successive American presidents for 34 years.”
The PRP concluded with a call to action: “We urge the government to remember that they are not serving themselves but the Nigerian people. They should prioritize our needs as a nation and be responsible in spending against dwindling resources. We demand that this wasteful expenditure be reconsidered and that the government instead focus on delivering tangible benefits to the Nigerian people.”
