By: Emmanuel Abi Couson
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, said Nigerians should not be rendered homeless for the sake of an unproductive Presidential jet.
He said “no nation grows or develops by subjecting the people to avoidable inconveniences to accommodate the luxurious excesses of its rulers,”
Reacting to the planned demolition of about “200 houses” in the Nuwalege community of Abuja to make way for the expansion of the presidential fleet in his verified X account on Thursday, Obi said he was shocked and at the same time pained by the development.
He described it as “an inconsiderate project at this critical time when the country is going through untold hardship.”
“I am shocked by the recent report of the planned demolition of about 200 houses in the Nuwalege community in Abuja, to make way for the Presidential Fleet.
“I am again pained that we are embarking on such an inconsiderate project at this critical time when the country is going through untold hardship,” he said.
Peter Obi added that the preoccupation of leaders at the moment should be on how to do away with the Presidential Fleet, or reduce it to the minimum, “to cut costs and save up for more critical projects to help the people, instead of demolishing people’s homes”.
The Former Anambra State Governor said instead of increasing the presidential fleet, the government should rather look for ways to reduce or eliminate costs.
“We cannot continue to encourage those who have kept us suffering to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle far beyond our legitimate means. A democratically elected people-oriented government must always care for the people, above itself,” He said.
“I, therefore, advise that we have a rethink, and most importantly, ensure that our fellow Nigerians are not rendered homeless for the sake of an unproductive presidential fleet.
“No nation grows or develops by subjecting the people to avoidable inconveniences to accommodate the luxurious excesses of its rulers,”
