Critic and former presidential candidate Peter Obi stated on Monday that the Federal Government’s plan to buy new presidential jets demonstrates extreme insensitivity to the struggles of citizens. Obi, in a series of tweets on X, emphasized that this move comes at a time when Nigeria is trending in global media for facing its worst economic crisis, marked by high inflation, a falling currency, and widespread poverty.
“With rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness, this decision highlights the disconnect between the government and the people. It is unacceptable and demands a more compassionate use of resources, prioritizing citizens’ welfare,” Obi said.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s presidential jets have an average age of 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford basic necessities. Now, as the country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, citizens are in even greater need.
According to Obi, instead of adding to the nation’s luxuries, the government should focus on alleviating people’s suffering and finding solutions to their problems. He criticized the long-standing pattern of bad leadership that has misaligned national priorities with the needs of society, leading the nation toward decline.
“To elucidate further, despite dropping to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $252 billion and a per capita income of $1,080, and facing huge debt burdens, we are spending $15 million on our Vice President’s residence. Meanwhile, the USA, the world’s largest economy with a GDP of $25 trillion and a per capita income of $80,000, still houses their Vice President in Number 1 Observatory Circle, a house built over 100 years ago, valued at about $7.5 million today,” he explained.
Obi noted that Nigeria had previously refurbished the old Vice President’s residence for $2 million, while the over 100-year-old US Vice President’s house has only undergone widescale renovations twice, funded by taxpayers’ money—in 1993 and 2021.
“Every new US Vice President is free to finance any minor refurbishing from personal funds. It’s time to stop this impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness and refocus on the needs of our people. We must prioritize education, healthcare, and lifting our citizens out of poverty,” he concluded.
