Borno State Speaker Abdulkarim Lawan has expressed serious concerns for Vice President Kashim Shettima’s safety, citing the risk posed by a faulty aircraft used for official duties.
He urged the government to urgently acquire a new aircraft for Shettima, similar to the one allocated to President Bola Tinubu, to prevent potential tragedies.
In a statement, Lawan urged the government to urgently procure a new aircraft for the Vice President to prevent any potential tragedies. Both Shettima and President Bola Tinubu utilize aircraft from the presidential fleet, which comprises over 10 planes, including a recently acquired one costing over $200 million for the President’s use.
Lawan’s remarks followed reports that Shettima had to cancel his trip to the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa due to an incident involving the aircraft at New York’s JFK Airport. According to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the plane sustained damage, including a broken windscreen in the cockpit.
Expressing his concerns, Lawan extended his sympathy to the Nigerian government and specifically to the Vice President’s team for the unfortunate incident at JFK. He emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to launch a thorough investigation into the matter, particularly as it occurred in one of the world’s most secure locations.
“The life of the Vice President, along with his crew and officials, is at risk while using the old and faulty presidential aircraft,” Lawan stated. He reiterated the urgent need for a new aircraft to avoid the recurrence of such air mishaps.
