The leaderships of the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have tackled the Federal Government over its plan to secure two new planes for the PAF.
The disagreement comes barely three days after the Presidency criticized Peter Obi, the LP’s presidential candidate, for his objection to the demand for new aircraft.
Obi described the move as unfortunate, saying it was coming at a time when Nigerians were grappling with economic hardship caused by the Federal Government’s policies.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH, the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, maintained that Nigeria could not afford to be seen lavishing scarce resources on ‘luxury’ at a time when the masses were experiencing untold hardship.
He said: “I think that the office of the President needs a ‘functional’ aircraft. But, as of the last count, we are aware that there are more than 10 aircraft in the presidential fleet.
“What any responsible government should do is refurbish them. One or two manufacturers, such as Boeing or whoever built the aircraft, could service them and return them to Nigeria.
