Tinubu Govt Faces Backlash from Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has criticized the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets by the Chinese company, Zhongshan, calling it an “international embarrassment.” Obi stated that the incident highlights the ongoing leadership failures in Nigeria and the government’s disregard for the increasing poverty in the country.

The jets—a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737, and an undelivered Airbus 330—were seized following a contractual dispute between Zhongshan and the Ogun State government. The French court ordered the seizure due to the Nigerian government’s failure to honor a $74.5 million award granted to the company by an independent arbitral tribunal.

Obi expressed his concern on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing the Tinubu-led administration for proceeding with the jet purchases despite widespread public outcry against such expenditures during a time of severe economic hardship. He argued that the incident reveals a deeper issue of mismanagement and lack of transparency in the government’s dealings.

“The federal government’s decision to purchase a presidential jet amid economic turmoil is a clear sign of insensitivity,” Obi said. He also emphasized the need for transparency, urging the government to explain how Nigeria ended up in this “latest international mess.”