Seized presidential jets international embarrassment, says Kanu’s lawyer

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has criticised the Federal Government following the international seizure of three Presidential jets belonging to Nigeria.

Ejiofor described the incident as an international disgrace and embarrassment in a press statement on Saturday, adding that Nigerians are no longer under any form of illusion that the country’s sovereignty is under serious threat, amid mountain debt concerns.

The presidential jets were seized by a French court on August 15, due to a contract disparity between the Ogun State Government and a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited.

The dispute reportedly stemmed from a 2007 agreement for the development of a free trade zone, which later fell apart, leading to arbitration and, ultimately, the seizure of the jets.

Despite an independent arbitral tribunal awarding Zhongshan approximately $74.5 million, the Ogun State Government has disputed the decision and has not yet honoured the award.

Describing the incident as unacceptable, Ejiofor lamented that, unfortunately, Nigerians are not paying commensurate attention to this impending disaster.

The statement read in part, “We are no longer under any form of illusion that Nigeria’s sovereignty is under serious threat, amid mountain debt concerns. Unfortunately, Nigerians are not paying commensurate attention to this impending disaster.

“On August 15, 2024, three presidential aircraft undergoing maintenance in Paris were temporarily seized in strict compliance with a court order. What an international disgrace!

“The unfortunate reality is that with the Nigerian government’s growing habit of excessive and reckless borrowing, it is increasingly likely that we may one day wake up to find Nigeria’s assets and the entire Nigerians tied to foreign judgments. It is only a matter of time!”