Peter Obi Demands Transparency from Tinubu Administration Over Newly Acquired Presidential Jet

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The Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2024 election, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to disclose full details regarding the recently acquired presidential jet and the disposal of older aircraft in the presidential fleet. 

In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday night, August 21, Obi expressed concern over the secrecy surrounding the acquisition of the new presidential aircraft. He highlighted that the news of the jet's arrival became public thanks to a French court ruling, which compelled the release of this information. 

"Now that the jet is here, Nigerian taxpayers, whose funds were used for this purchase, deserve to know how much it cost, how old the aircraft is, and its operational history," Obi stated. He further questioned the status of the older jets being sold off, emphasizing the need for transparency on how many are being disposed of, their age, and the reasons for their sale. 

Obi stressed that transparency and accountability should be the cornerstones of any credible leadership. He urged the federal government to provide comprehensive information about its decisions, especially when public funds and national assets are involved. 

"The federal government will lose nothing but gain respect if it provides the people with adequate information regarding the leadership's decisions—especially when it concerns public assets," he added. Obi also pointed out that a presidential jet is a significant symbol of national sovereignty and state power, and the cost of transporting the president is a matter of public accountability. 

Earlier, on Monday, August 19, the Presidency confirmed the acquisition of an Airbus A330 business jet, which conveyed President Tinubu to France on the same day. Despite the administration's previous denials and ambiguity, the jet's arrival has sparked widespread debate among Nigerians, who are demanding full disclosure on the matter.