Vice President Kashim Shettima’s life is at risk due to the faulty aircraft he uses, according to Borno State House of Assembly Speaker Abdulkarim Lawan. Lawan is urging the Federal Government to procure a new plane for Shettima, citing safety concerns after multiple technical issues and recent aborted flights ¹ ².
The latest incident occurred on September 24, 2024, when Shettima’s plane was damaged during a stopover at JFK Airport, forcing him to cancel his trip to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Samoa. The plane’s cockpit windscreen was hit by a foreign object, raising concerns about security even at one of the world’s most secure airports ¹ ².
Lawan expressed relief that Shettima and his team were unharmed but emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by the U.S. government. He also called on the Federal Government to prioritize acquiring a new plane for the Vice President to prevent further incidents ¹ ².
This incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and security of high-ranking government officials during international travel. The Speaker’s concerns come after the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recommended replacing the President’s and Vice President’s aircraft earlier this year. However, only the President’s plane was replaced, leaving Shettima with the older, malfunction-prone aircraft ¹.
