Peter Obi, Labour Party (LP), 2023 presidential candidate has expressed shock and concern over the planned demolition of approximately 200 houses in the Nuwalege community in Abuja intended to make way for the Presidential Fleet.
He made this revelation through his official X platform, highlighting the inconsiderate nature of such a project, especially during a time of widespread hardship in the country.
Obi emphasized the need to reconsider the decision, suggesting that the focus should be on either eliminating or minimizing the Presidential Fleet to cut costs. This, he argued, would enable redirecting funds towards more critical projects to alleviate the suffering of the people.
Obi stated, “I am shocked by the recent report of the planned demolition of about 200 houses in the Nuwalege community in Abuja, to make way for the Presidential Fleet.
“I am again pained that we are embarking on such an inconsiderate project at this critical time when the country is going through untold hardship.
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“I would like to reiterate that at this time, our preoccupation should be how to do away with the Presidential Fleet, or reduce it to the minimum, to cut costs and save up for more critical projects to help the people, instead of demolishing people’s homes.
“A country where the World Bank announced that over 100 million citizens are being pushed into poverty, should not at this time be sending hundreds of people into homelessness to accommodate the Presidential fleet of luxury aircraft. We need to focus instead on how to lessen the pain and suffering of poor people.
“We cannot continue to encourage those who have kept us suffering to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle far beyond our legitimate means. A democratically elected people-oriented government must always care for the people, above itself.
“I, therefore, advise that we have a rethink, and most importantly , ensure that our fellow Nigerians are not rendered homeless for the sake of an unproductive presidential fleet. We should rather focus on helping the people and developing our critical sectors for the sake of our national peace, progress, and development.
“No nation grows or develops by subjecting the people to avoidable inconveniences to accommodate the luxurious excesses of its rulers,” Obi concluded.