An activist lawyer, Madubuachi Idam, has called on the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the Tinubu’s “reckless abuse of scarce public funds” in the purchase of a new presidential jet.
Idam criticized Tinubu for not seeking the National Assembly’s approval before acquiring the aircraft, a move he argued is a violation of the 1999 Constitution, specifically Section 143.
He expressed concern over the Tinubu’s perceived disregard for Nigeria’s struggling economy, which he said has led to continued financial hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
Despite public outcry, Bayo Onanuga, a presidential aide, confirmed the purchase, claiming it was done at a price below market value and would ultimately save Nigeria billions in maintenance and fuel costs.
The lawyer stated, “The reports circulating that the Presidency has acquired a new private jet must be untrue; otherwise, the National Assembly should immediately confirm its prior knowledge and approval of the transaction or take the necessary constitutional action against the Tinubu.
“If my memory serves me well, just a fortnight ago, the Senate President, while expressing the Senate’s willingness to approve whatever comes from the Presidency, clearly refuted the rumor that there was any move or request to acquire a new presidential jet.
“Therefore, if the news about the acquisition is true, it suggests that the transaction was conducted without even performing the mere ritual of seeking the already-anticipated approval of the National Assembly, which, in any case, would have been granted without question.
“I will refrain from lamenting that Mr. President has no pity for Nigeria’s ailing economy, which has conditioned the average citizen to a life of struggle for survival. The president has consistently demonstrated that his comfort cannot and should not be compromised, not even by the country’s economic crisis.
“Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the only notable policies from President Tinubu’s administration have been extravagant, wasteful, and lavish treatment of himself and his government, rather than service to the ordinary Nigerian electorate.
“If it’s not the renovation of his office, his vice’s office, or his wife’s office, it must be to purchase cars for members of the National Assembly or a private jet for himself. He has shown a lack of mercy toward the struggling economy; otherwise, the three existing presidential jets cannot all be unfit at once to convey him wherever he needs to travel.
“Sadly, ordinary citizens are now helpless spectators in the affairs of their own nation. It is disheartening to see the rate at which the government’s scarce resources are being recklessly spent to satisfy Mr. President’s bourgeois desires, while common Nigerians are told to be patient for things to get better.
“The National Assembly must regain its firmness and, in accordance with Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended), not hesitate to invoke its impeachment powers against the president. This has become necessary to end this continued needless spending. Mr. President should let the common Nigerians breathe,” he added.
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