Arise News journalist Rotus Odiri has defended the federal government’s purchase of a new presidential jet for President Bola Tinubu.... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
The new aircraft was unveiled before the President departed France on Monday, August 19.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser for Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, said the new Airbus A330 will replace the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) purchased during the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He mentioned that the new aircraft was bought far below market price, saving Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, which run into millions of dollars annually.
While the controversy surrounding the purchase continues to generate debate on both social and traditional media, Odiri, who hosts “The Global Business Report,” questions why Nigerians are criticizing the president’s choices and ask these critics if they would prefer the president to be involved in an accident.
“Talking about this jet thing, do you want the President to get into an accident? Do you want President Tinubu queueing at the airport with you for a flight that could be delayed? These are the things we have to be talking about. We can walk and chew gum at the same time. Palliatives are going out there and he is trying to alleviate suffering but you can’t say he shouldn’t have a plane?” he asked.
The federal government has also been criticized by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).
The PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi described the move by the government as insensitive as Nigerians take an economic hit and struggle to feed.
The Labour Party on the other hand speaking through the campaign spokesman for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Yunusa Tanko said it was worrisome that the President would prioritised his convenience over the well-being of the generality of Nigerians amid the economic hardship in the country.
