Former Cross River Governor Duke slams purchase of presidential jet

Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River state, has slammed the recent purchase of a presidential plane as a “failure of leadership” amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Speaking on Channels Television’s “Inside Sources” programme on Friday, the Duke discussed the president’s confirmation of the purchase of Airbus A330s to replace the aging Boeing B737-700s acquired during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“There is nothing attractive about saying that your people are going through hard times; that is a failure of your leadership,” Duke said, drawing a parallel between national leadership and family responsibilities. He urged President Bola Tinubu to view Nigeria as his family, insisting that a leader’s priorities must be aligned with the needs of the people.

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The former governor did not mince words in criticizing wasteful spending during the economic downturn. “Buying a new airplane or yacht or living lavishly is a failure. You cannot have hungry children and you are living lavishly, going to parties and wearing the biggest agbada,” Duke said, highlighting the gap between such purchases and the reality faced by many Nigerians.

“If life is hard, then I feel like I have failed to provide for them or do the things I should 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.”

The controversy comes as Nigeria grapples with significant economic challenges, raising questions about the appropriateness of the government’s massive spending. The presidency has not responded to Duke’s comments.

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