Former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for acquiring a new presidential jet while many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship.
Duke expressed his discontent during an appearance on Channels TV’s Inside Sources, hosted by Laolu Akande, on Friday.
The controversy began last week when Tinubu’s senior aide, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the arrival of a new presidential jet, an Airbus A330, which was procured to replace the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 initially acquired during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
Duke condemned the purchase, labeling it as a “leadership failure” given the country’s current economic challenges.
He argued that leaders should prioritize the well-being of their citizens over personal or governmental luxuries.
“There is no glamour in saying your people are going through hard times; it is a failure of your leadership. If I am the head of a family, I want my family to have everything. I don’t want life to be difficult for them,” Duke stated.
He urged President Tinubu to view the Nigerian nation as his family, suggesting that the president should ensure that the same care he shows his family is extended to the citizens of Nigeria.
“Buying a new aircraft or yacht or living large is a failure. You can’t have kids who are hungry and you are living lavishly, going to parties and wearing the biggest agbada,” Duke concluded.
