Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party and former Governor of Anambra State, has urged the Federal Government to disclose the details surrounding the newly acquired presidential jet. In a series of posts on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, Obi emphasized that Nigerians have a right to know the cost, age, and operational history of the aircraft, as well as details on the disposal of the old jets.
Obi's call for transparency comes after the arrival of the new presidential jet, despite previous denials and conflicting reports about its purchase. He credited the French court for bringing the acquisition to public attention.
"Now that the jet is here, Nigerian taxpayers whose money was used to purchase it need to be privy to how much it costs, how old the aircraft is, and how long it’s been in operation," Obi stated.
He further insisted that the government should provide comprehensive information on the old jets, including how they are being disposed of, their age, and the reasons for their sale. Obi argued that such transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust and accountability.
"The government will lose nothing but respect if it fails to provide adequate information about its leadership to the people whose money is being deployed and whose mandate the President is holding," he added.
Obi highlighted that the presidential jet is a significant symbol of national sovereignty and state power, and the costs associated with it are a matter of public interest. He called for full disclosure on the details of the new jet, stressing that transparency and accountability should be the hallmark of any genuine leadership.
The former governor's comments reflect broader concerns about government transparency and the use of public funds, especially in the context of significant purchases like the presidential aircraft.
