Donald Duke, the former governor of Cross River State, has denounced the recent acquisition of a new presidential aircraft as a “failure of leadership” amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Inside Sources” program on Friday, Duke addressed the presidency’s confirmation of purchasing an Airbus A330 to replace the aging Boeing B737-700 acquired during former President Olusegun Obasanjo‘s tenure.
“There is no glamour in saying your people are going through hard times; it is a failure of your leadership,” Duke stated, drawing parallels between national leadership and family responsibility. He urged President Bola Tinubu to view the Nigerian nation as his family, asserting that a leader’s priorities should align with the needs of the people.
The former governor didn’t mince words in his criticism of lavish expenditures during economic hardship. “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 remarked, highlighting the disconnect between such purchases and the reality faced by many Nigerians.
“If life is difficult, then I feel I have failed to provide for them or do the things I ought to have done. I would ask him (Tinubu) to see the Nigerian nation as his family. What is good for his family is good for the nation.”
This controversy comes at a time when Nigeria grapples with significant economic challenges, raising questions about the appropriateness of high-profile government spending. The presidency has yet to respond to Duke’s comments.
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