Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has berated Peter Obi over his comments on the proposed purchase of a new presidential aircraft.

Recall that the house of representatives committee on national security and intelligence recently asked the federal government to purchase new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

The committee’s recommendation was contained in a report released after an investigation into the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, on Monday, faulted the proposal, saying it highlights the disconnect between the government and the people.

Obi said the proposal is unacceptable, adding that there is need for a more compassionate use of resources and prioritising citizens’ welfare.

Speaking with Punch, Onanuga said the purchase of another aircraft is a necessity.

He added that the proposal is a “basic thing any sane government will do” because it cannot toy with the president’s welfare.

“Does Peter Obi want the President dead? Is that his wish? Does he want him to continue moving around in a rickety plane and die like the VP of Malawi and Iran President? Let him tell us,” Onanuga said.

“The plane he used now, I learnt, was bought during (former President) Obasanjo’s era. That was over 20 years ago and I learnt it was a very small plane.

“The plane developed a problem the last time he travelled to Saudi Arabia. The President had to go from there to the UK on a commercial airline. Even those managing them said the aircraft needed to be replaced.”

Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described the 10th national assembly as the “best of partners” of his administration.

In a statement on Tuesday by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, Tinubu commended the leadership of the national assembly for supporting him.

Tinubu said working with the national assembly gives him “great pride”.

“It is a great pride for me to have the best of partners in the National Assembly. We have to drill down and be all-inclusive in our bid to satisfy our people. It is daunting, but we cannot run away from the fact that this country must survive the hardship,” the president said.

Tinubu also acknowledged the struggles of Nigerians and assured the nation of his unwavering determination to turn things around.

Many observers have described the 10th assembly as a rubber stamp despite the legislature leaders’ efforts to dismiss the label.

Many Nigerians, particularly on social media, have criticised the assembly for being too pliable to the executive’s demands.

The latest episode of the accusation followed the swift passage of the bill to reintroduce the old national anthem.

In June, 35 members of the house of representatives also proposed a six-year single term for the president’s office.

Numerous individuals have reportedly been killed and injured by gunmen who were executing sit-at-home orders in two communities in Anambra.

The gunmen, on Monday morning, broke into the communities of Nnewichi in Nnewi north LGA and Nnobi in Idemili south LGA.

The gunmen in Nnewichi community reportedly broke into a motel after learning that some people were holding a meeting there.

The gunmen began randomly firing at the hotel while causing property damage.

Oseloka Ubajiekwe, the leader of the vigilante group and the community’s chief security officer, was allegedly slain by the attackers as he tried to fend them off.

Those who sustained injuries have been taken to various hospitals in the state.

At Nnobi community, the gunmen shot sporadically to scare away residents and engaged in gun duels with security operatives.

Confirming the attacks in a statement, Tochukwu Ikenga, Anambra police spokesperson, said only three persons, including a 22-year-old lady, have been confirmed dead.

“The commissioner of police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered an immediate manhunt operation on the armed men operating in a red Highlander jeep, who abducted a citizen in Nnewi by 1:30 pm yesterday 17/6/2024 and were trailed to Nnobi, where they engaged security operatives in a gun battle,” Ikenga said.

“During the gun duel, one of the security operatives was fatally hit by the bullet and due to the indiscriminate shootings by the hoodlums in an attempt to escape the scene, the bullet also fatally struck two innocent passersby in the area.

“The police responding team at the scene recovered the bodies of the victims and took them to the hospital but regrettably, three of the victims including a 22-year-old lady were confirmed dead by the doctors on duty while two others are currently receiving treatment.”