Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticized the recent seizure of three aircraft from Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet, calling it an “international embarrassment.” The aircraft were seized following a legal dispute between the Ogun State Government and a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd, over a $74.5 million arbitral award that Nigeria failed to honor.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, condemned the incident as yet another example of failed leadership and disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria. “The trending international news on the seizure of three jets belonging to Nigeria’s Presidential fleet is yet another of many embarrassing things exposing our failed leadership and our attitude to the rule of law even in a democracy,” Obi said in a statement released on Thursday.
The seizure, which included a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737, and an Airbus A330, has drawn widespread attention and criticism. The Presidency acknowledged the situation, accusing Zhongshan of attempting to take over Nigeria’s offshore assets “through subterfuge.”
Obi criticized the Federal Government for proceeding with the acquisition of a new presidential jet amid severe economic hardship in the country. “The fact that the federal government went ahead with the jet deal despite the cacophonous cry against the purchase of a Presidential jet at this time when the people are going through a horrifying economic hardship shows the insensitivity of this administration,” he stated.
He also questioned the transparency of the government’s dealings, noting that Nigerians were unaware of both the purchase and seizure of the jets until the international incident occurred. Obi further pointed out that the incident highlights deeper issues of indiscipline and disrespect for the rule of law within the country’s leadership.
Obi called on the Federal Government to clarify the situation, specifically questioning the Ogun State Government’s adherence to its agreement with the Chinese firm and the actions taken by both the state and federal governments following a similar ruling by a UK court regarding Nigerian assets in Liverpool.
“I would like to, therefore, challenge the federal government to come clean and transparent on this matter and tell Nigerians how we got to this latest international mess,” Obi demanded.
This latest development has sparked significant debate about Nigeria’s leadership and its handling of international obligations, particularly in the context of the nation’s economic challenges.