Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has called on the Federal Government to disclose the cost, age, and other critical details regarding the newly acquired presidential aircraft.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Obi emphasized the need for transparency following the recent unveiling of the new Airbus A330, purchased for President Bola Tinubu.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier released images of the new presidential jet, noting that it replaces the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) that was acquired during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
Obi stressed that Nigerians have the right to know the specifics of the purchase, including the cost and the aircraft’s age. He also urged the government to provide information about the old jets being decommissioned, including their age, number, and reasons for their disposal.
“Despite the back and forth over the newly acquired presidential aircraft, the jet is now here, thanks to the French court that provided Nigerians with the information,” Obi stated. “Now that the jet is here, Nigerian taxpayers deserve to know how much it cost, how old it is, and how long it’s been in operation.”
He further highlighted that transparency and accountability should be fundamental principles of leadership, especially when public funds are involved. Obi argued that providing full details on the new jet would not only maintain respect for the government but also uphold the public’s right to information.
“A presidential jet is a significant symbol of national sovereignty and state power. The cost of transporting the president is a matter of public accountability,” Obi added, expressing hope that Nigerians will receive full disclosure on the new acquisition.
