Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has slammed President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the broader political class in Nigeria, accusing them of acting as ‘bandits’ who are tormenting the nation’s citizens.
Ezekwesili made her remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where she condemned the recent purchase of a new presidential jet for Tinubu amid widespread poverty and hunger in the country.
Ezekwesili expressed disbelief that the government would prioritise such an expenditure during a time when many Nigerians are suffering.
She argued that the executive and legislative branches of government have become disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, opting instead to focus on self-serving projects.
“The executive, the presidency, the National Assembly, I think they have decided that they are the bandits,” Ezekwesili declared.
She went on to criticise the construction of expensive homes for the Vice President and the acquisition of luxury vehicles for government officials, questioning how such expenditures could be justified in the current economic climate.
Ezekwesili urged Nigerians not to feel sorry for Tinubu, suggesting that his policies are merely a continuation of those enacted by his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a related development, News About Nigeria reported that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, also raised concerns over the new presidential jet.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Obi questioned the government’s lack of transparency regarding the jet’s cost, age, and operational history.
He stressed that Nigerian taxpayers deserve to know the details of how their money is being spent, particularly in light of the country’s economic challenges.
Obi called for full disclosure about the disposal of older presidential jets, stressing that transparency and accountability should be fundamental principles of leadership.
He noted that the cost of transporting the president is a significant issue of public accountability and urged the government to provide the necessary information to the public.
