The Nation Newspaper

Tag: presidential aircraft

  • FG initiates steps to retrieve three presidential aircraft seized by Chinese firm

    FG initiates steps to retrieve three presidential aircraft seized by Chinese firm

    The Federal Government has initiated legal and diplomatic measures to retrieve three presidential aircraft in respect of which interim orders of attachment have been issued by a French court.

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

    In the statement by his spokesman, Kamarudeen Ogundele, Fagbemi said the Nigerian government became  aware, on August 14, of the interim attachment of three presidential aircrafts undergoing routine maintenance in France. 

    He added: “The said temporary attachment was made pursuant to ex-parte orders issued by the Judicial Court of Paris on March 7, 2024 and 12 August 2024 at the instance of Messrs. Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Company Limited, a Chinese company seeking to enforce a final award granted in its favour on 26 March 2021, against one of Nigeria’s sub-nationals, Ogun State.

    “It is to be noted that the arbitral award arose from an arbitration proceeding which commenced in 2018 as a fallout of a contractual dispute between the Chinese company and Ogun State Government over the operation and management of Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone.

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    “We wish to clarify that, though the dispute originated from engagements of Ogun State Government, however, the consequential enforcement actions are being directed against the Federal Government and its assets in line with extant principles of international law which holds that the actions of a subnational or local entity are attributable to the State or country itself.

    “The Offices of the National Security Adviser and the Attorney-General of the Federation, have already set in motion both legal and diplomatic steps to ensure the discharge of the inappropriate orders against the aircrafts, which are covered by sovereign immunity. 

    “While, further actions are being put in place to resolve the entire dispute through available legal means, the firm position of the Federal Government remains that the aircrafts in question are sovereign assets used solely for sovereign purposes and are therefore immune from attachment as Zhongshan has sought to do.”

  • Much ado about new presidential aircraft

    Much ado about new presidential aircraft

    Sir: The recent recommendation by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence for the Federal Government to purchase two new presidential aircraft for the president and vice president has sparked widespread debate. Critics argue that the acquisition is insensitive given the country’s current economic challenges; hence suggest that existing aircraft should be overhauled. On the other hand, proponents maintain that the purchase is a necessity rather than a luxury, crucial for the effective functioning of the highest offices in the land.

    Recent travel issues faced by the president and vice president underscore the pressing need for reliable and functional aircraft. In April, the president was forced to take a chartered plane from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia, and also recently returned from South Africa using a chartered flight. Additionally, the vice president aborted his flight to the United States due to a faulty presidential jet. These incidents highlight the necessity for dependable transportation to ensure that the president and vice president can perform their duties without undue risk or delay.

    The ability to travel at short notice is vital for both national and international responsibilities. Just as business CEOs invest in private jets to ensure punctuality and reliability, the same principle applies. The stakes are even higher for the president and vice president.

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    Maintaining outdated aircraft can be prohibitively expensive. Similar to how companies replace cars after a certain period to avoid high maintenance costs, the same logic applies to presidential aircraft. Furthermore, owning aircraft is more cost-effective in the long run than frequently chartering flights, which can accumulate substantial expenses. Newer planes are likely to be more fuel-efficient and require less frequent repairs, thereby reducing operational costs, contributing to the overall efficiency of government operations.

    Functional aircraft will enable the president and vice president to fulfil their duties optimally. This is not about luxury but necessity. Reliable transportation is critical to the effective execution of their duties; including attending international summits, engaging in diplomatic missions, and responding promptly to emergencies. Presidential planes also serve as symbols of national pride and the status of the office. They are often seen as extensions of the country’s sovereignty and dignity, carrying the nation’s leaders to important engagements. Ensuring these planes are in optimal condition reflects positively on the country and its leadership.

    While avoiding waste and corruption is essential, leadership involves making investments that facilitate effective governance. The planes, considered assets, will serve beyond the current administration, contributing to the long-term efficiency of government operations. The concept of saving money is often over-emphasized. Government leaders are elected to positively impact the lives of citizens and perform their duties effectively. Overemphasizing cost containment can lead to cost savings at the expense of service delivery. Therefore, the focus should be on making prudent investments that enhance governance and public service. The primary concern for Nigerians should be ensuring that the planes are not purchased at inflated prices.

    While the economic hardships faced by Nigeria are real and pressing, the acquisition of reliable presidential aircrafts is a step towards ensuring that the government can function effectively and fulfil its primary function of the security and welfare of its citizens. However, this decision must be communicated transparently to the public, emphasizing its necessity for effective governance while acknowledging the current economic difficulties.

    •Kenechukwu Aguolu  FCA Abuja.