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Presidency, Obi Clash Over New Presidential Jet

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The Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday, faulted the plan by the Federal Government to buy new aircraft for the presidential fleets.

He described the move as insensitive while Nigerians grapple with economic hardship occasioned by the Federal Government’s policies.

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But the Presidency, in a swift reaction, described Obi’s comment as insensitive, wondering if he would rather have the life of the President jeopardised by flying faulty aircraft.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Monday, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo 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. This is a basic thing any sane government will do. You can’t toy with your President’s welfare.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest In Anambra

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“The plane he used 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.

“Why will any right-thinking person still want the President to move around in it? In any way, it is the National Assembly that officially recommended that new ones should be bought. Sometimes, Peter Obi opened his mouth to make unnecessary statements.”

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence had recently called on the FG to buy new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

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The committee’s recommendation was contained in a report released after it investigated the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet.

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The recommendation comes a few months after three planes from the Presidential Air Fleet were pencilled down for sale.

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But Obi described the move as unacceptable and a clear show of insensitivity to the suffering of the Nigerian people.

Reacting on his X handle on Monday, the former Anambra governor said it was rather unfortunate that at a time when the country was making headlines over the economic crisis, occasioned by hyperinflation, a falling currency and widespread poverty, the FG was contemplating securing new presidential jets.

READ ALSO: One Killed In Osun Cult Clash

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He said, “This demonstrates extreme insensitivity to citizens’ struggles. With rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness, this decision highlights the disconnect that is apparent between the government and the people. It is unacceptable as the situation in the country today more than ever demands a more compassionate use of resources, prioritising citizens’ welfare.

“It is on record that our presidential jets have an average age of 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford necessities. Now, as our country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, our citizens are in even greater need. Instead of adding to our luxuries, we should be focused on alleviating their suffering and finding solutions to their problems.

“While we had earlier refurbished the old VP residence with $2m, the over 100-year-old US Vice President’s house has only undergone wide-scale renovations twice, funded by taxpayers’ money; in 1993 and 2021. Every new US VP is free to finance any minor refurbishing from his funds.

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“It is, therefore, time to stop this impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness and refocus on the needs of our people. We must prioritise education, healthcare, and lifting our citizens out of poverty. Let us work together to build a nation that truly serves its people, not just the interests of a few.”

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JUST IN: NEC Reinstates Anyanwu As PDP National Secretary

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The 100th National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party has reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s national secretary.

Speaking to journalists after the NEC meeting held in Abuja on Monday, the PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, announced that Anyanwu has been officially reinstated.

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Damagum further revealed that the 101st NEC meeting has been scheduled for July 23 to finalise arrangements for the upcoming national convention.

Details shortly…

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BREAKING: APC Fixes Date For NEC Meeting

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The All Progressives Congress, APC, will hold its National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting on 24th July, 2025.

Deputy National Secretary, Barr. Festus Fuanter, disclosed this after Monday’s National Working Committee, NWC, meeting.

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DAILY POST reports that Umar Ganduje on Friday resigned as the party’s chairman and in his place, Ali Dalori was appointed in acting capacity.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Dalori Chairs First APC NWC Meeting Following Ganduje’s Resignation

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JUST IN: Dalori Chairs First APC NWC Meeting Following Ganduje’s Resignation

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Following the resignation of former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Deputy Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, is now presiding over his first National Working Committee meeting in his capacity as Acting National Chairman.

Dalori, along with several NWC members, is currently meeting at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

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READ ALSO: BREAKING: Confusion As APC Chair, Ganduje Resigns

The Monday meeting is expected to review recent developments within the party and formulate an official position.

Present at the ongoing meeting are the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, and other key party officials.

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