Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate, has criticized the Nigerian government’s handling of the international seizure of three jets belonging to the Presidential fleet. He called the incident an “international embarrassment” and pointed out the broader implications of the event.
Obi stated that the seizure is a result of the government’s failure to lead well and its lack of understanding of the people’s economic struggles. He also criticized the federal government for purchasing a presidential jet at a time when the country is facing severe economic challenges.
The seizure was a result of a contract disagreement between the Ogun State Government and a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. The company was awarded $74.5 million by an independent arbitral tribunal, but the Ogun State Government has disputed the decision and has yet to honor the award.
Obi also discussed the lack of transparency regarding the purchase and management of the jets, saying that Nigerians don’t have any information about how the aircraft were bought or sold. He challenged the federal government to be more transparent and accountable to the Nigerian people.
The Ogun State Government and the Presidency have responded to the court’s decision, calling it unfair and fraudulent. The Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said the legal action was “a new tactic by the Chinese company to seize Nigerian assets in foreign jurisdictions.”
In conclusion, Peter Obi has criticized the Nigerian government’s handling of the international seizure of three jets belonging to the Presidential fleet, calling it an “international embarrassment.” He has also pointed out the lack of transparency regarding the purchase and management of the jets and challenged the federal government to be more transparent and accountable to the Nigerian people.
