Group Faults FG’s Plan To Acquire New Presidential Jets

A socio-political group, The Collective Movement (TCM), has described the plan by the Federal Government to buy new aircraft for the presidential fleet amidst widespread poverty and hunger in Nigeria as provocative and a misplaced priority that raises important questions about accountability posture of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The group, which admonished the government to cancel or delay the purchase of the presidential jets, insisted that government’s attention this time should be on addressing the issue of hunger and deprivation.

A statement by TCM’s Director of Media, Ndubuisi Nwachukwu, quoted the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Frank Onyeka as saying that jettisoning the acquisition will demonstrate government’s commitment to stamping out austerity in the land.

According to him, the perceived extravagance and potential misallocation of resources may undermine the government’s credibility and commitment to serving the public interest. Onyeka explained that government’s decision to purchase two presidential jets at this austere time is very uncharitable and negates the principle of prioritizing the needs of citizens but a privileged few.

“Nigerians are finding it more difficult to feed themselves, with food inflation rising to 40.66 per cent in May. Inflation has moved by 0.26 per cent to 33.95 per cent from 33.69 per cent recorded in April. ‘’Spending on luxury items like private jets, when many citizens struggle with basic needs like food, healthcare and education, raises questions about the government’s priorities.

‘’The funds allocated to purchasing and maintaining presidential jets could be better utilized to address hunger, poverty, and other pressing social issues. ‘’A luxurious presidential jet may symbolize the wealth gap between the ruling elite and the general population, exacerbating frustration and discontent.

‘’With commercial airlines and charter services available, some argue that a dedicated presidential jet is not essential for official business,’’ Onyeka said. Urging the Tinubu administration to exhibit accountability, the TCN national coordinator added that the government must justify its spending decisions and demonstrate how they align with the country’s most pressing needs and priorities.

He advised those in power to display leadership by example, saying the government’s spending choices should reflect a commitment to tackle austerity and responsible stewardship of public resources, especially when many citizens are struggling. His words: ‘’The resources spent on presidential jets could be invested in initiatives that will generate employment, stimulate economic growth, and reduce poverty.

‘’The government should be transparent about the costs and benefits of purchasing presidential jets, and be held accountable for its decision. ‘’The government should prioritize the basic needs of its citizens, such as food security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, over luxury items.

‘’The perception of a government prioritizing luxury over people’s needs may damage Nigeria’s international reputation and credibility. ‘’The juxtaposition of luxurious presidential jets with widespread poverty and hunger may exacerbate feelings of social injustice and inequality.’’