Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the legal counsel representing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has sharply criticized the Federal Government of Nigeria following the seizure of three presidential aircraft by the Chinese firm Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited. Ejiofor described the incident as a “global embarrassment” and a significant threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ejiofor expressed deep concern about the country’s growing national debt and the potential risks it poses to Nigeria’s assets. He warned that Nigerians might soon find themselves facing the reality of the nation’s resources being tied to foreign judgments due to the government’s “excessive and reckless borrowing.”
Ejiofor stated, “We are no longer under any form of illusion that Nigeria’s sovereignty is under serious threat, amid mountain debt concerns. Unfortunately, Nigerians are not paying commensurate attention to this impending disaster. On August 15, 2024, three presidential aircraft undergoing maintenance in Paris were temporarily seized in strict compliance with a court order. What an international disgrace!”
The IPOB lawyer further cautioned that this incident could be a precursor to more severe consequences if the government’s borrowing habits continue unchecked. “The unfortunate reality is that with the Nigerian Government’s growing habit of excessive and reckless borrowing, it is increasingly likely that we may one day wake up to find Nigeria’s assets and the entire Nigerians tied to foreign judgments. It is only a matter of time,” he added.
The aircraft were seized following a legal dispute between the Ogun State Government and the Chinese company, stemming from a 2007 agreement to establish a free trade zone. The collapse of this agreement led to arbitration proceedings, where an independent tribunal ruled in favor of Zhongshan, awarding them approximately $74.5 million. Despite this, the Ogun State Government has contested the ruling and has yet to comply with the payment.
In a recent development, one of the seized aircraft has been returned to Nigerian authorities, according to a spokesperson for the Chinese company.