Former Cross River Governor Donald Duke has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to purchase a new presidential jet, labeling it as a “failure in leadership,” especially considering the widespread hunger and hardship in Nigeria.
The presidency recently announced the acquisition of a new Airbus A330 to replace the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700, which was purchased during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure.
During an appearance on Channels TV’s ‘Inside Sources’, Duke remarked, “There is no pride in acknowledging that your people are suffering; it signifies a failure in leadership. As the head of a family, I would want to ensure my family has everything they need. If life is tough for them, it reflects my failure to provide adequately. President Tinubu should view the Nigerian nation as his family. What benefits his family should benefit the nation.”
He added, “Indulging in luxuries like buying a new aircraft or living extravagantly while people are hungry is a failure. You can’t be attending lavish events and wearing the finest attire while your children are starving.”
On the country’s security issues, Duke urged President Tinubu to hold security agency leaders accountable, stressing the importance of consequences for poor performance.
He stated, “Security agencies must be held responsible for lapses in security. There must be accountability. If you’re a DPO, commissioner of police, or GOC, and crime persists in your area, you should be held accountable.”
Duke also called on President Tinubu to tackle the nation’s economic challenges by pursuing homegrown solutions, noting that “The IMF or World Bank won’t provide tailored solutions. The answers to our problems must come from within.”
