The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has kicked against the move by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to purchase new aeroplanes for the presidential fleet.
PRP’s Acting National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, in a statement on Monday, argued that the move is not only wasteful but insensitive to the plight of Nigerians grappling with biting poverty and deprivation.
The party contended that there is no sense in embarking on such wasteful spending at a time when the country is grappling with crippling economic woes and citizens are struggling to make ends meet.
The party urged the authorities to take a cue from advanced countries like the United States of America (USA) and China that still make do with the planes on their presidential fleets for the past two decades.
It noted: “At a time when the economy is in ruins, with inflation rates inching towards 40% and workers’ wages yet to be reviewed, it is unconscionable that the government is prioritising luxury spending over the welfare of the people. The proposal to purchase new airplanes for the presidential fleet is a clear testament to the government’s detachment from reality and its lack of empathy and accountability.
“We urge the government to remember that they are not serving themselves but the Nigerian people. The government should focus on addressing the pressing issues of poverty, unemployment, and economic stagnation rather than indulging in lavish spending sprees.
“For instance, China, the world’s second-largest economy, purchased its presidential jet from Boeing in 2000 and has been flying it for 24 years. Similarly, the United States, the world’s largest economy, has a presidential jet manufactured by Boeing that was purchased in 1990 and has been used by six successive American presidents for 34 years. In contrast, Nigeria’s presidential jet was purchased in 2003 and became operational in 2005, making it a mere 19 years old.
“We cannot understand why our government is not learning from aforesaid good examples despite the fact we are nowhere as rich as these economies. We need to prioritise our needs as a nation and be responsible in spending against dwindling resources.
“It is evident that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his counterpart in the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, are living in an ivory tower and perpetuating an unpleasant government that caters more to their own interests than those of the people.
“The PRP demands that this wasteful expenditure be reconsidered and that the government instead focus on delivering tangible benefits to the Nigerian people. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in condemning this reckless spending spree and demanding better governance from our leaders.
“Let us work together to build a Nigeria that prioritises the welfare of its citizens over the indulgences of its leaders.”
