Former Cross River Governor Donald Duke has harshly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to acquire a new Airbus A330, deeming it a “failure in leadership” in light of the widespread hunger and economic difficulties faced by many Nigerians. Duke’s remarks underscore a growing discontent with the prioritization of luxury expenditures over pressing national issues.
Last week, the presidency announced the purchase of the new Airbus A330 to replace the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700, which was originally acquired during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. Duke’s critique highlights a perceived disconnect between the government’s spending choices and the everyday struggles of the Nigerian populace.
In a statement on Channels TV’s Inside Sources, Duke expressed his disappointment, stating, “There is no glamour in saying your people are going through hard times; it is a failure of your leadership.” He likened the situation to a family dynamic, asserting that if he were in a position of leadership, he would prioritize alleviating his family’s difficulties over personal luxury. “If life is difficult, then I feel I have failed to provide for them or do the things I ought to have done,” Duke added. He urged President Tinubu to view the nation as his family and to act in its best interest.
Duke also extended his critique to the security situation in Nigeria. He called for greater accountability from security agencies, insisting that heads of these agencies should be held responsible for failures in maintaining security. “Hold the security agencies responsible for a failure of security. There should be consequences,” Duke asserted. His comments come amidst ongoing concerns about rising crime rates and inadequate security measures.
Moreover, Duke emphasized the importance of developing indigenous solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges, rather than relying on international institutions like the IMF or World Bank. He argued that “it has to be an indigenous solution to our problems,” stressing that textbook solutions from external bodies may not address Nigeria’s unique issues effectively.
Duke’s statements reflect a broader sentiment among critics who believe that the current administration’s focus on luxury and high-profile purchases undermines its ability to address the core issues affecting the country.
