Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu over the recent acquisition of a new presidential jet. On Monday, the Tinubu administration unveiled a new Airbus A330, replacing a 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) originally purchased during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, shared images of the new jet but did not disclose the cost. In response, Sowore, through posts on his official X handle, condemned the expenditure, calling it reckless in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic difficulties.
Sowore accused Tinubu of prioritizing personal luxury, including the purchase of jets and bulletproof vehicles, while failing to address the nation’s pressing economic issues. He argued that Nigerian leaders are more concerned with their own interests than with alleviating the suffering of the people.
In one of his posts, Sowore remarked, “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said one year isn’t enough for Nigerians to enjoy a better country, but look at what he bought for himself in just one year: yacht, jet, bulletproof Escalade, mansion for VP. #RevolutionNow.”
Sowore also highlighted the president’s use of the jet during a trip to France, stating, “Bola Tinubu finally launched his $150 million presidential jumbo jet on his way to Paris. The only thing that makes these thieving rulers in Nigeria happy is when they fulfil their personal desires; they don’t care about the people.”
This controversy arises amid a contractual dispute between the Nigerian government and the Chinese company Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, which led to the temporary confiscation of three Nigerian government-owned aircraft. The dispute coincides with nationwide protests, labeled #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, calling for improved economic conditions and governmental reforms.
