Former presidential aide, Peter Obi has faulted the planned demolition of about 200 houses in the Nuwalege community in Abuja, to make way for the presidential fleet.
Obi expressed his displeasure in a statement on Thursday.
The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) said he was “shocked” and “pained” that the country was embarking on such an “inconsiderate project at this critical time when the country is going through untold hardship”.
He reiterated that the nation’s preoccupation at this time should be how to do away with the presidential fleet or reduce it to the minimum to cut costs and save up for more critical projects to help the people, instead of demolishing people’s homes.
“A country where the World Bank announced that over 100 million citizens are being pushed into poverty, should not at this time be sending hundreds of people into homelessness to accommodate the Presidential fleet of luxury aircraft.
“We need to focus instead on how to lessen the pain and suffering of poor people.
“We cannot continue to encourage those who have kept us suffering to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle far beyond our legitimate means.
“A democratically elected people-oriented government must always care for the people, above itself.
“I, therefore, advise that we have a rethink, and most importantly , ensure that our fellow Nigerians are not rendered homeless for the sake of an unproductive presidential fleet.
“We should rather focus on helping the people and developing our critical sectors for the sake of our national peace, progress, and development.
“No nation grows or develops by subjecting the people to avoidable inconveniences to accommodate the luxurious excesses of its rulers,” Obi said.