Donald Duke to FG: Purchasing a Presidential Jet While Nigerians Suffer is a Failure

Former Cross River Governor Donald Duke has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to acquire a new presidential jet, labeling it a “failure in leadership” amid widespread hunger and hardship in Nigeria.

The presidency announced last week 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 administration.

“There’s no pride in acknowledging that your people are suffering; it reflects a failure in leadership.

As the head of a family, I would want my family to have everything they need. I wouldn’t want them to struggle,” Duke said during an appearance on Channels TV’s Inside Sources on Friday.

“If life is difficult for them, it means I’ve failed in my responsibilities.

I would urge Tinubu to view the Nigerian nation as his family—what is good for his family should be good for the nation.

“Purchasing a new aircraft or yacht or living extravagantly is a failure.

You can’t have children who are hungry while you live lavishly, attending parties and wearing the finest agbada.”

On the issue of national security, Duke called on President Tinubu to hold security agency heads accountable, stressing the importance of consequences for underperformance.

He stated, “Hold the security agencies accountable for any security lapses. There should be consequences.

You can’t just sit back as a DPO, police commissioner, or GOC while crimes are being committed in your area. Hold them responsible.”

Duke also encouraged President Tinubu to address Nigeria’s economic challenges by seeking homegrown solutions.

“The IMF or World Bank won’t provide the answers. The solutions to our problems must be indigenous,” he added.