Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration following the seizure of Nigeria’s presidential jets abroad.
The seizure was ordered by a Paris court as part of an ongoing legal dispute involving a Chinese company.
The court’s decision stems from a case brought by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese firm whose contract to manage an export processing zone in Ogun State was revoked in 2016.
The court listed three presidential jets—a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ, and an Airbus A330-243—stationed at Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse airports, for seizure.
In a post on his social media platform, Obi called the incident an international embarrassment. He criticized the Tinubu administration for operating with secrecy and treating the government like a personal family asset.
“The recent international news about the seizure of three jets from Nigeria’s Presidential fleet is yet another example of the many embarrassing situations that highlight our failed leadership and disregard for the rule of law, even in a democratic setting,” Obi wrote.
He further criticized the government for its lack of transparency and insensitivity to the economic struggles of Nigerians, noting that the purchase of a new presidential jet during a time of severe economic hardship shows a lack of concern for the people.
Obi also pointed out that the government’s decision to proceed with the jet purchase, despite public outcry, has now led to the embarrassing situation of these jets being seized due to contractual disputes.
He emphasized the need for greater accountability and transparency in government dealings, highlighting that until the court in France took action, Nigerians were unaware of the situation involving the jets.
