Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan has called on the Federal Government to provide Vice President Kashim Shettima with a new aircraft, citing risks associated with the current “faulty” presidential plane.
This appeal follows a recent incident at New York’s JFK Airport, where a foreign object damaged the plane’s windscreen and other components, forcing Shettima to cancel his trip to the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa.
In a statement released Sunday, Lawan expressed gratitude for the safety of the Vice President, crew, and staff, while emphasizing the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the incident.
READ ALSO: Shettima Cancels Commonwealth Summit Trip Mid-Way Over Damaged Aircraft
“The life of the Vice President, along with his crew and officials, is at risk when using the old, faulty presidential aircraft,” he said, urging the government to prevent future air mishaps by acquiring a new plane for Shettima.
This incident has reignited concerns previously raised by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, which recommended new aircraft for both President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.
So far, only the President’s aircraft has been replaced, reportedly due to public scrutiny surrounding the costs.