Does Obi want Tinubu dead, Onanuga asks amid new presidential jet criticism

Peter Obi (left) criticised the recently proposed purchase of a new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu (right) and his Vice, Kashim Shettima

A spokesman to the presidency, Bayo Onanuga, has hit back at Labour Party (LP) stalwart, Peter Obi, following his criticism of the proposed purchase of a new presidential aircraft.

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence had recently urged the federal government to quickly purchase a new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima.

This was after the lawmakers had suggested that the cost of maintaining the 19-year-old aircraft used by Tinubu is high, leading to longer downtime and higher fleet running costs.

On Monday, Obi criticised the proposal, suggesting that it stressed the disconnect between the government and the people.

“The proposal is unacceptable, adding that there is need for a more compassionate use of resources and prioritising citizens’ welfare,” Obi said.

Onanuga reacted hit out at the former governor of Anambra State over his comments on the proposed purchase of a new presidential aircraft.

“The purchase of another aircraft is a necessity. The proposal is a basic thing any sane government will do because it cannot toy with the president’s welfare,” Onanuga said.

“Does Peter Obi want the President dead? Is that his wish? Does he want him to continue moving around in a rickety plane and die like the VP of Malawi and Iran President? Let him tell us.

“The plane he uses now, I learnt, was bought during (former President) Obasanjo’s era. That was over 20 years ago, and I learnt it was a very small plane.

“The plane developed a problem the last time he travelled to Saudi Arabia. The President had to go from there to the UK on a commercial airline. Even those managing them said the aircraft needed to be replaced.”

The lawmakers, meanwhile, made the request for a new presidential aircraft in a report issued after its technical subcommittee conducted a hearing on the status and airworthiness of aircraft in the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF).