President Tinubu Jet off To France Amid Controversy Over New Plane.
By Enoh Blessing, Outlook Media.
President Tinubu has departed Abuja for Paris, France on a new Airbus A330, which has been at the centre of controversy due to its purchase price and a recent international dispute.
The plane’s acquisition has been widely criticized in Nigeria, where the country is facing an economic crisis. Many have questioned the government’s decision to spend millions of dollars on a new plane when resources are scarce.
Furthermore, the Airbus A330 was until recently the subject of a high-stakes international disagreement involving a Chinese company, which obtained court orders to seize the plane in a case of alleged breach of contract with the Ogun State government.
Despite the controversy, the Nigerian government has defended the purchase, stating that the new plane will save millions of dollars in maintenance and fuel costs.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser Information and Strategy to President Tinubu on his X handle on Monday said the recommendation to replace the old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) came after an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament, which questioned the plane’s safety record and cost efficiency.
He described the plane as spacious and furnished with state-of-the-art avionics, customized interior, and communications system.
President Tinubu’s trip to France is his first official visit abroad since taking office.source:eyewitnessnews.