The issue arose after it was revealed that a French court had authorized the seizure of three presidential jets connected to the Nigerian Federal Government. This action was linked to a business dispute between Zhongshan, a Chinese company, and the Ogun State government. Obi expressed his concerns in his statement, arguing that this incident underscores the failed leadership in Nigeria and the mismanagement of the country’s resources, which has left many citizens in poverty.
Obi raised questions about the actions of both the Ogun State and Federal governments prior to the French court’s ruling. He stated, “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. It has also exposed multiple dimensions to our leadership failure and our insensitivity to the plight of the growing poor class in our midst.”
Furthermore, Obi criticized the Federal Government’s decision to proceed with the jet purchase despite significant public opposition and the severe economic hardships faced by Nigerians. He added, “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.”
Obi also highlighted the secrecy surrounding the entire transaction, noting that Nigerians were unaware of the specifics of both the purchase and the sale of the aircraft until the intervention of the French court. He accused the government of managing national assets as though they were personal property, stating, “It has been done in secrecy. Federal Government property, which belongs to the people, is being managed as a personal family asset.”
He pointed out the inconsistency in spending a significant amount, approximately $100 million, on a Presidential jet, while the country is considered the “poverty capital of the world” with high food inflation and a large number of out-of-school children, reflecting the government’s disregard for the people’s welfare.
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Obi further questioned the discipline and respect for the rule of law within Nigeria’s leadership, noting, “This incident has also opened up an aspect of indiscipline that is copiously embedded in our country, which is the abuse and disrespect for the rule of law.”
He posed critical questions, asking, “To what extent did the Ogun government follow its agreement with the Chinese firm? After the UK court ruling that prohibited some Nigerian buildings in Liverpool, what did both the Ogun state and Federal government do before the French court action?”
In his concluding remarks, Obi challenged the Federal Government to be transparent about the situation, urging them to explain how Nigeria found itself in this international predicament. He concluded, “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.”
In response, the Presidency acknowledged the situation on Thursday, accusing Zhongshan of attempting to seize Nigeria’s offshore assets through deceitful means.
