The seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets in Paris, including a recently purchased Airbus A330, has sparked reactions from two former Ogun State governors, Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel. The jets were confiscated following a legal dispute involving Zhongfu International Investment Co. Ltd, a Chinese company whose contract was terminated by the Ogun State government in 2016.
Ibikunle Amosun’s Response:
Amosun, who served as Ogun State governor from 2011 to 2019, described the situation as a “Chinese against Chinese” dispute. He clarified that the controversy stemmed from a business rivalry between two Chinese companies over management rights to the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ). He emphasized that the dispute had little connection with either Ogun State or the Federal Government. Amosun reiterated that his administration acted based on information available at the time and denied any unlawful involvement.
Amosun urged the Nigerian government to treat Zhongfu International Investment Co. Ltd as an impostor, comparing the case to the P&ID scandal, and stressed his willingness to assist government agencies in preventing any scams against Nigeria.
Gbenga Daniel’s Response:
Gbenga Daniel, who governed Ogun State from 2003 to 2011, offered to help the federal government resolve the issue diplomatically. He stressed that the dispute was not about the establishment of the Free Trade Zone but rather the termination of a management contract. Daniel emphasized the ongoing importance of the Free Trade Zone to the local economy and warned against politicizing the situation.
Daniel also provided assurances that the project still benefits the community and called for accurate reporting and a focus on finding a productive solution that protects Nigeria’s interests.
Background:
The jets, including a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737, and the newly acquired Airbus A330, were seized as part of a French court’s enforcement of a €74 million arbitral award to Zhongshan Fucheng, another Chinese company. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over the management of the Free Trade Zone and raises concerns about Nigeria’s vulnerability to international legal actions.
Both former governors expressed their commitment to assisting the current administration in resolving the matter and protecting Nigeria’s assets.
