Why FG should acquire new private jet for Shettima – Speaker

Borno State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, has called on the Federal Government to prioritize the safety of Vice President Kashim Shettima by procuring a new aircraft.

Lawan highlighted ongoing technical issues with the VP’s current plane, which has raised concerns due to multiple recent incidents, including an aborted trip on September 24, 2024, when a foreign object struck the cockpit windscreen at JFK Airport, forcing the cancellation of Shettima’s journey to Samoa for the Commonwealth Summit.

Previously, the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recommended new aircraft for both the President and Vice President, but only President Tinubu’s plane was replaced.

Speaker Lawan expressed relief over Shettima’s safety following the incident and urged a swift investigation from U.S. authorities to address the security lapse at JFK Airport.

“The life of the Vice President and his team remains at risk with the continued use of an unreliable aircraft. I urge the Federal Government to prioritize acquiring a new plane for Vice President Shettima to prevent further incidents,” Lawan stated. He extended sympathy to the Nigerian government and reiterated gratitude to Allah for safeguarding Shettima and his crew in the incident.