Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised concerns about the recent suggestion that the Vice President should receive a new official aircraft due to safety issues reported with the current one.

In a statement, Obi criticized the proposal, calling it “insensitive” to the pressing challenges Nigeria faces.

He pointed out that, given the current economic hardships, prioritizing a new jet for the Vice President appears to overlook the greater issues plaguing the country.

According to Obi, Nigeria’s situation is dire: the nation ranks among the eleven worst-governed African countries of the past decade, and it’s also counted among the world’s twenty most hunger-stricken nations.

He emphasized the “extreme hunger and poverty” faced by millions of Nigerians daily, with the country currently holding the unfortunate title of the world’s poverty capital.

Per capita income, which fell from $1,700 in 2023 to $1,109 this year, only underscores the economic strain on Nigerians, who are dealing with rising costs and limited income opportunities.

Beyond the poverty statistics, Obi highlighted the instability of the national electricity grid, which has collapsed eight times this year alone and 105 times over the past decade.

This ongoing instability continues to affect both households and small businesses, deepening losses and increasing the challenges in an already strained economy.

Businesses in Nigeria have been shutting down or struggling to survive in this harsh environment, with many unable to withstand the burdens of high operating costs and unreliable infrastructure.

Given these issues, Obi questioned the need for new luxury acquisitions, arguing that the country’s leadership should instead focus on addressing the needs of the people.

He pointed out that Indonesia, a nation with consistently strong economic growth of over 6% annually for the past decade, waited until 2014 to acquire a single presidential jet.

Even then, it’s shared between the President and Vice President, with the latter frequently flying on the national airline, Garuda Indonesia, for official duties.

Obi urged Nigerian leaders to adopt a similar approach, suggesting that any official travel should be limited to essential and contributory trips.

Instead of focusing on luxury, he called on leaders to take a closer look at the issues affecting the everyday lives of Nigerians.

“It’s time to sit down and find solutions to our litany of challenges,” Obi said, stressing the importance of a selfless and committed approach to leadership for the nation’s wellbeing.

At the 25th anniversary of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) held in Abuja, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reunited with his former boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

WOTCLEF, an organization founded by Atiku’s wife, Mrs Titi Abubakar, has long championed the fight against human trafficking and child labour across Nigeria, and the event drew prominent figures in support of its mission.

Atiku expressed his joy at reuniting with Obasanjo, describing the experience as both meaningful and humbling.

He also took a moment to appreciate Obasanjo’s steadfast support for the foundation, recognizing how the former president’s dedication has greatly helped WOTCLEF’s efforts to tackle social injustices and uplift vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Atiku captured his feelings about the occasion, sharing how walking beside Obasanjo at the celebration felt like a significant moment.

He acknowledged that Obasanjo’s ongoing commitment has been a pillar for WOTCLEF, enabling the foundation to continue its work in addressing critical issues affecting women and children.

The anniversary event itself was filled with speeches and activities reflecting WOTCLEF’s 25 years of impact.

Since its inception, the foundation has provided aid, education, and advocacy, seeking to empower those who are often overlooked.

In response to recent public speculation, the Presidential Spokesman has clarified that the official jet used by President Bola Tinubu was refurbished rather than newly acquired. This statement comes amid discussions surrounding government expenditure and transparency, with some reports suggesting that the administration had purchased a new aircraft.

The spokesman emphasized that the refurbishment was undertaken to upgrade the aircraft’s functionality, enhance safety, and extend its operational lifespan, rather than replacing it with a new jet. According to the statement, refurbishing the existing jet was a more cost-effective solution, aimed at minimizing government spending while ensuring that the president’s transport met international standards.

In conclusion, the Presidential Spokesman’s statement that President Tinubu’s jet was refurbished—not newly purchased—demonstrates the administration’s commitment to budget-conscious decisions and accountability in government spending.