Borno speaker’s call for new VP aircraft attracts knocks, kudos

Following the Borno State House of Assembly Speaker, Abdulkareem Lawan’s request for the Federal Government to procure a new aircraft for Vice President Kashim Shettima, Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions.

It was reported that Lawan appealed on Sunday, urging the government to consider purchasing a safer aircraft for Shettima, citing concerns over a series of incidents with the current presidential aircraft used for official engagements abroad.

Lawan emphasised that Shettima’s safety could be compromised due to these mechanical issues.

The request has sparked varied responses among Nigerians. Some support the acquisition, citing the vice president’s safety, while others criticise it as insensitive, especially given the country’s current economic challenges.

Reacting, a Netizen who tweets as @Karovoni said, “If Tinubu had not bought one, no way anyone would have the mind to request a private jet, especially in light of the severe hunger going on in the country. He’s a terrible example for others”, while @agodliveshere said, “I support this.”

@OOmotola45195 also supported the purchase of a new aircraft for the vice president. She said, “Considering the recent events, I support new aircraft for the VP”, @n_apim also supported the idea saying, “We don’t want him to crash! They should buy his own.”

@BlackMeni095 opined that purchasing a new aircraft for Shetimma would be a waste of national resources. He emphasised that Nigeria is not financially buoyant for such huge expenses.

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He said, “Better still he should stop traveling. His operational cost outweighs whatever benefit he brings to the table. We don’t have money for a new aircraft for a VP. He travels too much & Nigeria has not improved in any way. Things are getting worse. Oga no travel again. Thanks.”

Another Netizen who tweets as @Chukwudieg37867 also rejected the demand saying, “This is how thiefnubu’s own started, At first they denied it and later on bought a private jet. We’ll all be here before the year runs out Shettima will buy his own too and we won’t still do anything.”

@UncleOluwafemi advised that if the vice president cannot fly commercial airlines, then the Borno State Government should procure the aircraft for him. He said, “Let Borno buy one for him. If not, let him start flying commercial airlines. Even the president ought to sell the new one. They want us to make the sacrifice while they make none.”

@SirMcAwesome247 also supported @UncleOluwafemi’s idea that the Borno State Government should fund the aircraft purchase. He said, “The Borno State House of Assembly can graciously sponsor the purchase of the aircraft after all, they get allocation too.

In his opinion, @HONEST08600247 stated that it was just morally appropriate to purchase a new aircraft for the VP since one was recently procured for the President. According to him, Shettima deserves an N150bn jet. He said, “We all saw that coming when the news filtered in that a meteorite hit his jet where it was parked in the US. Well, what is good for Adebayo is also good for Ahmedu. Shettima deserves a new 150 billion Naira jet.”

@daggash51 bluntly rejected the request arguing that the VP can make use of commercial airlines for his foreign trips. “He can take public transportation by booking reservations. Nigeria cannot afford planes”, @daggash51 said.