Is the purchase of presidential jets by the current administration a good idea?

Sunday Okechukwu, Businessman and evangelist: I am a citizen of this country not a politician. What I can say however, is that if the purchase is geared towards the progress of the country, there is no problem whatsoever with it. If there was a substitute to buying it, that was cheaper and they went ahead to buy it that is where the problem would have been. I don’t think there is any problem. What I am saying is that the right thing should be done at the right time. If there is a need to buy anything that would aid governance, let them go ahead. But they should not use the money for the well being of Nigerians to buy such things. When the living standard of Nigerians is much better, we will not think much of such things.

Anayo Gabriel, businessman: There is no problem with it. As Nigerians, we know what is bad and what is good. If the president feels that buying the jets at this crucial period is good for Nigerians, then there is no problem with that but it must have a benefit for Nigerians. Right now, Nigerians are suffering: no water, poor electricity and lack of quality education is presently bedeviling the nation. The much touted 7 point agenda has not been fulfilled as I speak with you. If the president can give us at least light amongst all the 7 point agenda, then we will not mind what else he asks of us. The issues facing Nigerians are very many and unless the president addresses these, then people may kick against his purchase of the jets. Let him encourage the masses and we will support him in his work. His buying the jets is not enough.

Priscilla Edugbe, sales attendant: Nigerians should have the fear of God in mind. If you have the fear of God in mind, He will guide us in every move we make as a nation. Go under the bridges and you will see Nigerians residing there with no means of survival. If the president has the fear of God he should be able to attend the needs of the masses first before any other thing. Buying three jets will not solve the problem of the masses. The only thing is to address the numerous problems of the masses. That is the solution.

Yahaya Abubakar, student: This is not the right time for presidential jets to be bought. There are more pressing problems facing us as a nation. A lot of Nigerians are suffering. The government is not even talking of social amenities again. Nigerians are not even talking about these anymore. They are only praying that the government provides enough for them to buy food that will at least, sustain them and keep them alive. Many now eat once or twice a day now because they cannot afford to eat three square meals. It is that bad. Despite our resources, we are suffering. Buying jets at this moment is ill advised as long as I am concerned. The current president is not talking of how to complete his predecessor’s 7 point agenda. He is only talking about how to buy presidential planes! This is not what we need at this time. Nigerians stand to gain nothing from the purchase of these planes.

Abdulramann Umar, call member:  It is a waste of public resources. I learnt that there are 6 other private jets that were acquired by past administrations which to our knowledge, not been fully utilized. To spend billions of naira to acquire others for use is simply outrageous. It is a waste of public resources especially in a year that we are approaching general elections which will also gulp millions. It is unbelievable to say the least.

Sarah Alebua, Student: I am not a politician so I cannot comment much. Politicians can never be understood by their actions since politics is a dirty game. Every action has a basis including the purchase of the jets. But the rationale behind it can never really be understood because as I told you, politicians are a special breed. Only the president can fully tell us why he thinks buying multi-billion naira jets is his priority at present.