New Jet: Presidency, NASS Are Bandits Against Nigerians – Oby Ezekwesili

• Oby Ezekwesili criticizes the Nigerian presidency and National Assembly for prioritizing luxury purchases over the needs of impoverished citizens
• Ezekwesili accuses the political elite of acting like “bandits,” highlighting the disconnect between government actions and the struggles of ordinary Nigerians

Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, has strongly criticized the presidency and the National Assembly, accusing them of acting like “bandits” against the Nigerian people. Her comments came during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, where she addressed the recent purchase of a new presidential aircraft amidst widespread poverty in the country.

Ezekwesili expressed outrage over the decision to acquire a new jet, arguing that the move is a blatant disregard for the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. “That aircraft is 19 years old. In everything that we have heard, they are trying to justify the purchase of the new aircraft,” she remarked, highlighting the disconnect between the government’s actions and the realities faced by the public.

She accused the political elite of prioritizing their comfort over the nation’s needs, saying, “The executive, the presidency, the National Assembly—I think they have decided that they are the bandits. The political class has decided that they are bandits against Nigerians.”

Ezekwesili emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that Nigerians are falling into poverty at an alarming rate. She criticized the government for its misplaced priorities, such as constructing a N20 billion residence for the vice president and acquiring luxurious cars for government officials. At the same time, the majority of citizens face economic hardship.

The former minister also reflected on the previous administration’s economic policies under President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, bears responsibility for the ongoing economic challenges. “This administration agreed with everything Buhari was doing. There in their case, nobody should feel sorry for them,” she said, implying that the current government is complicit in the country’s economic decline.

Ezekwesili lamented the lack of political literacy and governance in Nigeria, pointing out that despite having access to education, the political class has failed to prioritize the country’s well-being.

Her remarks underscore a growing frustration with the Nigerian government’s handling of economic and political issues, particularly when many citizens struggle to make ends meet.