- Body Criticizes FG’s Decision to Acquire New Presidential Jet Amid Economic Hardship
- Urges FG to conserve funds
By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a prominent civil rights advocacy group, has criticized the plan by the federal government to acquire a new presidential jet for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling it an expensive and ill-timed move.
The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence had recently recommended the acquisition of new presidential jets following an investigation into the current status of the present presidential air fleet.
However, HURIWA argues that the decision is particularly insensitive given the current economic challenges faced by majority of Nigerians, including high living costs driven by increased petrol prices and the devaluation of the naira.
The group stated: “Let it be made clear from the onset that we are speaking as an independent and totally non-partisan organization and so shouldn’t be identified as supporting either of the two parties in disagreement over the necessity or otherwise of buying a new plane for the office of the Nigerian president.”
“We make haste to say the aforementioned because in Nigeria now, many small-minded, myopic, and extremely divisive persons who are otherwise ‘schooled’ often misconstrue positions of CSOs or non-governmental individuals as representing those of opposition politicians. We speak also on behalf of the suffering masses of Nigeria who have no voice in the media of mass communication.”
The group’s critique extends to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who had criticized Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, for opposing the plan. Obi had labeled the government’s decision as insensitive amid widespread economic hardship, with over 133 million Nigerians facing hunger and poverty.
“If we may ask, just less than a year ago, when Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu wasn’t the president of Nigeria, did he not fly commercial airlines?” HURIWA questioned.
The group asked: “Have all of us flying commercial planes that most of them are over 30 years old after manufacturing, have we all died? Why should Onanuga think in such a way as to mention dying whilst addressing issues around the President?”
Maintaining its non-partisan stance, HURIWA condemned the Federal government decision to acquire a presidential jet and its insistence as uncouth and insensitive. They questioned the necessity of a new presidential jet, especially when the existing fleet comprises multiple planes that could be upgraded or sold to fund new purchases.
The group said, “Why will anyone wish the President dead and have all the people using commercial flights all over the world died? Why will Bayo Onanuga condemn the over 9 or 10 planes in the presidential fleet as ‘flying coffins’ and by saying so, has made it impossible for any sane person to buy any of the 9 or 10 jets in the Nigerian presidential fleet since he believes that they are no longer safe to fly?”
HURIWA also highlighted that the Pope, who leads over two billion Catholics worldwide, travels on commercial flights, underscoring the point that President Tinubu could do the same to conserve funds.
HURIWA further criticized Onanuga’s harsh rhetoric, arguing that his statements undermine the potential resale value of the current jets by branding them unsafe. They urged for a more respectful and logical discourse on the matter, pointing out that leaders like the former British Prime Minister, David Cameron often travel commercially to save costs.
Meanwhile, the advocacy group suggested that if the Nigerian government insists on acquiring new aircraft, they should sell the existing fleet to fund the purchase of two or three new planes for the President and Vice President.
The group reiterated its commitment to voicing the concerns of ordinary Nigerians and urged the government to consider more cost-effective measures for presidential travel.
