Amanze Chinonye
Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, has criticised the federal government’s acquisition of a ₦150 billion presidential jet, urging a reprioritisation of public health over personal luxury.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Obi emphasised that such huge government spending is unconscionable when the majority of Nigeria’s primary healthcare facilities are non-functional.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“I will not use ₦150 billion to buy a jet when 80 per cent of our primary health centres are not functioning,” he declared.
Obi stated that, if elected president, he would reject the purchase of a private jet, insisting that official travel could be managed without it.
“If I become president I will use the resources effectively; I cannot buy a new jet. I don’t need one because you can go anywhere without a jet,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about presidential security without a jet, Obi recalled his tenure as governor of Anambra State, during which he declined bullet-proof vehicles, relying instead on sound governance and public trust.
“For my first four years, I drove a Peugeot 406. For the rest of it, I didn’t drive bullet‑proof cars,” he said. “Nobody will decide to kill you if you are doing the right thing. It’s when you do the wrong thing that you will fear about death.”
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Obi asserted that insecurity is not a valid justification for lavish state spending on personal protection.
“If your people are dying you should be ready to die,” he remarked, stressing the importance of personal accountability and solidarity with citizens.
The former Anambra State governor accused President Tinubu of showing a lack of compassion by investing in elite privileges while crucial healthcare infrastructure collapses.
READ ALSO: I’m Fighting Against Bad Governance Not Tinubu – Obi
“Today we have a country without compassion,” Obi said. “Leadership without compassion does not exist; it is a minus. It is not good for a country.”
Obi went on to say that if elected president in 2027, he would lead with empathy, investing in healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation rather than in luxurious perks. He argued that national leadership should reflect solidarity with citizens and prioritize public welfare.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
