The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over reports of the alleged seizure of three presidential jets in Paris, France, calling the situation an “international embarrassment” and demanding a full explanation from the federal government.
In response to these reports, the federal government clarified yesterday that the aircraft in question are sovereign assets and, as such, are immune from confiscation under international law. The incident reportedly stems from a dispute between a private Chinese firm and the Ogun State government, raising questions about the potential impact on Nigeria’s international standing.
The government emphasized that, according to principles of international law, actions taken by a sub-national or local entity, such as a state government, are ultimately attributable to the nation itself. This clarification underscores the protected status of sovereign assets like the presidential planes.
Despite the legal protections in place, the Nigerian government acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and announced that it had initiated both legal and diplomatic efforts to recover the aircraft. These moves are aimed at ensuring the swift return of the planes to Nigeria and preventing further escalation of the dispute on the international stage.
The government’s response comes as pressure mounts for transparency and accountability in handling the situation, particularly from prominent figures like Peter Obi, who have underscored the need for a thorough and public explanation to avoid further damage to Nigeria’s reputation abroad.
