Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, has urged the Federal Government to purchase a new aircraft for the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
According to him, Mr Shettima’s life and that of his staff are at risk as a result of “faulty” presidential aircraft he used for official functions.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that Mr Shettima had to cancel his trip to the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa over an incident at JFK Airport in New York, United States.
Citing the reason for the cancellation, the special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Mr Shettima’s aircraft was hit by a foreign object.
He added that some parts of the aircraft, including the windscreen of the cockpit, were damaged during the incident.
However, reacting to the incident, the Borno speaker noted that Mr Shettima’s aircraft has had several incidents in recent times.
“I want to sympathise with the Nigerian Government, especially the office of the Vice President, his crew, and staff over the unfortunate incident at JFK Airport in New York, U.S.A.”
“I also express my gratitude to Allah (God) for saving the precious lives of our dear Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima and those on board the ill-fated VP’s plane.
“I urge the Nigerian government to demand a thorough and timely investigation from the United States government over the incident that affected Vice President Kashim Shettima’s plane at one of the most secure spots in the world.
“The life of the Vice President and that of his crew/officials stand at risk while using the old and faulty presidential aircraft.
“Therefore, there is the urgent need to acquire a new aircraft to Senator Kashim Shettima so as to avoid these recurrences of air mishaps.” Mr Lawan said.
