The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has reacted to the views expressed by the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi regarding the purchase of new jets for President Bola Tinubu and the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima.
A press statement released by Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro in response to the criticism by Obi stated that personal opinions expressed by the Former Anambra State Governor on the plans to purchase new presidential jets do not represent the collective stance of the Igbo Nation as represented by Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“While we acknowledge Mr. Obi’s concerns about Nigeria’s economic challenges and the necessity to tackle pressing issues like insecurity, poverty, and hunger, Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly believes that the safety and security of our nation’s leaders must take precedence,” Okechukwu Isiguzoro stated.
The statement went further to note that the current Presidential fleet, acquired over twenty years ago during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, now poses significant security risks to the President and could hinder the President and Vice President in performing essential duties.
Okechukwu Isiguzoro emphasised the importance of upgrading the aircrafts in Nigeria’s presidential fleet to ensure safe travels for Nigeria’s leaders and forestall the occurrence of preventable fatal incidents as a result of faulty aircrafts. He cited recent fatal aircrashes in Iran and Malawi, which resulted in the deaths of the President of Iran and the Vice President of Malawi.
Okechukwu Isiguzoro went on to affirm that Ohanaeze Ndigbo wholeheartedly supports the Federal Government’s decision to procure new Presidential jets to ensure the safety of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains committed to fostering unity, progress, and the well-being of all Nigerians. We firmly believe that through cooperation, we can work towards a brighter future for our nation,” the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Scribe concluded.