Popular Nollywood Actor Turned Politician Kenneth Okonkwo Reacts To Prez Tinubus New Presidential Jet

Kenneth Okonkwo, actor and former spokesperson for the Labour Party, has strongly criticized the Nigerian government following reports that President Bola Tinubu has authorized the purchase of a new presidential jet.  

Okonkwo expressed his outrage on social media, describing the decision as "the height of insensitivity" given the dire economic situation facing many Nigerians.
 

Okonkwo highlighted the countless obstacles currently plaguing the country, including widespread hunger, rising fuel prices, financial instability, and frequent power outages. He condemned the jet purchase as a glaring example of misplaced priorities, arguing that it demonstrates a lack of empathy for the suffering of ordinary citizens.

He wrote;

"People are dying of hunger. No food, no fuel, no finance, no electricity, and President Tinubu is buying a presidential jet. This is the height of insensitivity."
   View this post on InstagramA post shared by Kenneth Okonkwo (@iamkennethokonkwo) Presidency Finally Unveils New Presidential JetThe Presidency, on Monday, unveiled the new Airbus A330 purchased for President Bola al Adviser to the President on Information and tactic, Bayo Onanuga, released the pictures of the presidential jet via his verified X handle on Monday.

The presidential aide stated that the new jet replaces the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Onanuga, however, did not reveal the amount spent by the Nigerian government to acquire the new presidential jet.

According to Onanuga, the new jet saved Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.

He wrote, “President Tinubu departed Abuja Monday for Paris, France, using the new Airbus A330, which replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“The new plane bought far below the market price saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.

“The recommendation to replace the B737-700(BBJ) followed an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament that questioned the plane’s safety record and cost efficiency, especially after it malfunctioned during a trip to Saudi Arabia.

“The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended replacing the ageing aircraft in the presidential fleet to decrease downtime and operational expenses.

“The new plane is spacious and is furnished with state-of-the-art avionics, customized interior and communications system.” 

Meanwhile, Tinubu has departed the Federal Capital Territory for France.

The Airbus A330 business jet conveying the President and some of his key aides lifted off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 04:08 pm.

Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, announced on Sunday that the President will embark on his fourth trip to the European country on Monday, August 19, departing from Abuja, the nation’s capital.
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