The recent purchase of a presidential jet by President Bola Tinubu, at a time when Nigerians are grappling with severe economic challenges, is deeply insensitive and such actions continue to widen the trust gap among citizens.

Development Diaries reports that the Special Advisor on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, recently shared images of the presidential jet on his verified X handle, giving the public a glimpse of the new addition to the presidential fleet.

It is understood that President Tinubu, on Monday, took off from Abuja for France aboard the brand-new Airbus A330 business jet, accompanied by a few of his top aides.

The choice to purchase a luxury jet at this time highlights a concerning mismatch between the ruling class and the day-to-day struggles of the populace.

While millions of Nigerians are struggling to feed, dealing with rising costs of living, and enduring the impacts of a sluggish economy, the president’s focus on personal convenience sends a message that the well-being of the people is not a priority.

In a period when the government should demonstrate fiscal responsibility and empathy, such an extravagant expenditure is unjustifiable.

The funds used for this purchase could have been redirected towards alleviating the hardships of ordinary Nigerians, such as by subsidising essential goods, supporting small businesses, or investing in critical infrastructure.

This move also raises serious questions about the administration’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens and whether it is genuinely attuned to the suffering of the populace.

Moreover, this action risks eroding the trust and confidence that Nigerians have in their leadership.

It is more worrisome that Nigerians are yet to see the presidential request to the Senate for budgetary approval of the jet, so it was obviously purchased without appropriation.

This is another instance where the legislature has proven its allegiance to the president over the common good of the people, which continues to widen the lack of public trust in the legislature.

The president must understand that the Freedom of Information Act gives the right to access public spending information, hence in the face of a hunger crisis faced by the people, his government must be transparent and tell Nigerians where it got the money for an airbus worth $100 million.

Development Diaries calls on President Tinubu’s government to prioritise transparency and accountability in its financial decisions, which would be a clear demonstration of empathy and commitment to the well-being of all Nigerians at this critical juncture.

Photo source: Bayo Onanuga