Public Outcry Over Proposed Aircraft Purchase for Nigerian President and Vice President

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recently sparked widespread anger by recommending that the Federal Government purchase two new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima. This proposal, contained in the committee's report on the status of the presidential air fleet, suggested that additional aircraft would ensure safety and cost-efficiency in the long run.

Nigerians reacted furiously to this recommendation, deeming it inappropriate given the current economic hardship. The committee, mandated to investigate the airworthiness of the presidential fleet, argued that the purchase would prevent potential technical or operational failures that could have severe consequences.

The proposal followed a motion by the House Committee Chairman on National Security and Intelligence, Satomi Ahmed, after reports of faulty aircraft forced the President to charter a plane for a recent trip. The debate in the House saw some lawmakers suggesting the President should travel via commercial aircraft or by road, but the committee was ultimately tasked with investigating and reporting on the fleet's condition.

Support for the recommendation came from the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, chaired by Shehu Buba Umar. However, public response has been overwhelmingly negative. Critics argue that the government should not be spending on luxury items when many Nigerians struggle to afford basic necessities. The call for new aircraft has been particularly controversial given the ongoing dispute over a new national minimum wage, with the government stating it can only afford N62,000, far below the N250,000 demanded by labor unions.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, condemned the proposal, stating there was no moral justification for such expenditure. Ologunagba stressed that the government must lead by example and curb luxury spending, highlighting the sacrifices citizens have made since President Tinubu's administration began.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), represented by spokesperson Benson Upah, accused the government of prioritizing luxury over citizens' needs. Upah criticized the plan to purchase new jets while ordinary Nigerians face severe economic hardship.

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also condemned the plan on social media, calling it a clear show of insensitivity. Obi urged the government to focus on alleviating the suffering of Nigerians rather than wasting money on luxury items.

Middle Belt Forum President Dr. Pogu Bitrus and Arewa Youths Consultative Forum President Alhaji Yerima Shettima echoed these sentiments. They emphasized the need for the President to be more sensitive to the country's economic situation and avoid unnecessary expenditures.

Overall, the proposal to buy new aircraft for the President and Vice-President has been met with widespread condemnation, highlighting the disconnect between the government's actions and the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians.