The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has described the proposed purchase of presidential jets by President Bola Tinubu as appalling and insensitive saying it should not be of utmost importance at a time when the country is undergoing its worst economic situation, galloping inflation rate and workers’ welfare ignored and those in government living in opulence.
A statement signed by the PRP’s acting national publicity secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, titled “Down The New Presidential Jets Purchase Projects” and made available to Tribune Online, said the Tinubu-led government should take a cue from stable and progressing economies such as China that is still flying its 24-year-old presidential jet ditto for the United States whose own is 34 years compared to an ailing and struggling economy like Nigeria that wants to change its “mere 19 years old”.
“The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) is appalled by the insensitive and profligate decision of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led APC government to purchase new airplanes for the presidential fleet, at a time when the country is grappling with crippling economic woes and citizens are struggling to make ends meet.
“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 prioritizing 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.
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“We can not 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 prioritize 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 prioritizes the welfare of its citizens over the indulgences of its leaders.”
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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