The special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, has responded sharply to comments made by Peter Obi regarding the proposed purchase of a new presidential aircraft.
Obi, in his remarks on Monday, criticized the proposal as indicative of a disconnect between the government and the people, calling for a more compassionate use of resources that prioritizes citizens’ welfare.
The controversy follows a recommendation by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence for the federal government to acquire new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
This recommendation came after an investigation into the status of the current aircraft in the presidential air fleet.
Reacting to Obi’s critique, Onanuga defended the necessity of the purchase in an interview, stating that ensuring the president’s welfare is a fundamental responsibility of any government.
“Does Peter Obi want the President dead? Is that his wish? Does he want him to continue moving around in a rickety plane and die like the VP of Malawi and Iran President? Let him tell us,” Onanuga questioned.
Onanuga further explained that the current aircraft, which dates back to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s era over 20 years ago, has become unreliable.
He noted, “The plane he used now, I learnt, was bought during Obasanjo’s era. That was over 20 years ago and I learnt it was a very small plane.”
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Onanuga recounted a recent incident where the presidential plane encountered issues during a trip to Saudi Arabia, forcing President Tinubu to continue his journey to the UK on a commercial airline.
“The plane developed a problem the last time he travelled to Saudi Arabia.
The President had to go from there to the UK on a commercial airline. Even those managing them said the aircraft needed to be replaced,” he added.
The debate over the new aircraft purchase underscores ongoing tensions between government priorities and public perception.
While officials argue for the practical necessity of a reliable presidential fleet, critics like Obi advocate for fiscal restraint and a focus on addressing the immediate needs of the populace.
