Amid the controversy surrounding the acquisition of new Presidential Jets, Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), a prominent civil rights organization, has dismissed as deceptive and frivolous the suggestions that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, advocated for the procurement of the new aircraft.
The National Coordinator of RUN, Ambassador Solomon Adodo, made this assertion during an interview on Radio Nigeria Network news in Abuja.
Ambassador Solomon Adodo clarified that, contrary to the insinuations that the Senate President advocated for the planned purchase of the Presidential jets, it was actually the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence that proposed the acquisition after an inquiry into the condition of the Presidential fleet.
“The Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence merely endorsed it after conducting its own investigation and concurring on the necessity of new aircraft to prevent a national disaster with significant national security implications.”
Emphasizing that the acquisition of the aircraft is imperative and not a suggestion from the Senate President as critics are claiming, Ambassador Adodo asserted that Nigeria cannot risk its national security by operating outdated aircraft for the Presidential fleet, especially in light of the recent tragic deaths of world leaders.
“The tragic demise of the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, in a crash exacerbated by mechanical issues and adverse weather conditions, as well as the loss of the Vice President of Malawi, Saulos Chilima, should concern every conscientious Nigerian. Instead of assigning blame, we should be united in advocating for the procurement of new aircraft for the Presidential fleet.
“In other countries, citizens would have protested and demanded the replacement of the Presidential fleet following the near catastrophe that Vice President Yemi Osibanjo narrowly avoided in Kogi State a few years ago aboard one of the dilapidated aircraft of a private company due to the absence of a serviceable aircraft in the Presidential fleet. Rather than casting aspersions on individuals for what is long overdue,” he added.
He labeled those responsible for the orchestrated misinformation and accusations as “detractors of Nigeria who are intent on inciting conflict between the Executive and the Legislature, despite the harmonious relationship that has prevailed between them over the past year.
“If there is a necessity for new aircraft as has been recommended, no one can coerce the Senate President into neglecting his constitutional duties. As a progressive leader, the Senate President has consistently aligned with the masses and always acts in the best interest of the nation. He deserves commendation rather than unwarranted criticism.”
RUN strongly encouraged the Senate President not to be swayed by the opinions of a few misguided individuals and proceed with approving the planned purchase of the Presidential jets “for the greater good of the nation, as Nigeria cannot afford to join the ranks of countries that have lost their heads of states and governments due to air accidents.”
