VP Shettima’s Life at Risk; Borno Speaker Urges Federal Government to Provide New Aircraft

In a statement issued on Sunday, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, expressed grave concerns over the safety of Vice President Kashim Shettima following a recent incident involving his official aircraft. Lawan is calling on the Federal Government to provide a new aircraft for Shettima, citing recurring issues with the current plane designated for the Vice President’s use.

The concerns come after Shettima was forced to cancel his trip to the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa due to an incident at JFK Airport in New York. The Vice President’s plane reportedly sustained damage after being struck by a foreign object, with the aircraft’s cockpit windscreen among the parts affected. According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the damage led to the Vice President’s abrupt withdrawal from the summit.

Lawan voiced his unease, stressing that the aircraft designated for Shettima’s use has encountered multiple technical issues in recent months. “The life of the Vice President, along with his crew and officials, stands at risk while using the old and faulty presidential aircraft,” Lawan said. He emphasized that securing a new aircraft for Shettima was a matter of urgency to avoid potential accidents in the future.

In his statement, Lawan also urged the Nigerian government to request a thorough investigation from U.S. authorities regarding the incident at JFK Airport, noting that it occurred in what is considered one of the world’s most secure airports. He thanked Allah for the safety of Shettima and those onboard, emphasizing the significance of preserving the Vice President’s safety as he represents Nigeria abroad.

Earlier this year, the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recommended the purchase of new aircraft for both President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. However, following significant public scrutiny, only a new aircraft for President Tinubu was ultimately acquired.