Nigerians have responded in a variety of ways to Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly Abdulkareem Lawan’s proposal that the Federal Government buy a new plane for Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Citing worries over a number of mishaps involving the present presidential aircraft used for official engagements overseas, Lawan made an appeal on Sunday, asking the government to take into consideration buying Shettima a safer aircraft.

Lawan stressed that these mechanical problems might jeopardise Shettima’s safety.

Nigerians’ reactions to the request have been mixed. Some argue that the acquisition is callous, particularly in light of the nation’s present economic difficulties, while others defend it on the grounds that the vice president is safe.

“If Tinubu hadn’t purchased one, nobody would have the audacity to request a private jet, especially in light of the severe hunger going on in the country,” reacted a Netizen who tweets under the handle @Karovoni. “I support this,” @agodliveshere remarked, while “He’s a terrible example for others.”

Additionally, @OOmotola45195 backed the vice president’s acquisition of a new plane. In light of the previous occurrences, she stated, “I favour new planes for the VP.” @n_apim agreed, stating, “We don’t want him to crash! They ought to purchase his own.

According to @BlackMeni095, it would be a waste of public money to buy Shetimma a new plane. He stressed that Nigeria lacks the financial stability to cover such high costs.

“It would be better if he stopped travelling,” he remarked. Any advantages he may have are outweighed by his operating expenses. We don’t have enough cash for a vice president’s new plane. He takes too many trips, and Nigeria hasn’t gotten any better. The situation is becoming worse. No more trip, Oga. Thank you.

The demand was likewise refused by another Netizen, @Chukwudieg37867, who tweeted, “This is how Thiefnubu’s own started, At first they denied it and later on bought a private jet.” Before the year is up, we will all be here, Shettima will purchase his own, and we won’t take any more action.

@UncleOluwafemi said that the Borno State Government could buy the vice president an aeroplane if he is unable to fly on commercial carriers. “Let Borno buy one for him,” he suggested. Otherwise, allow him to begin flying for commercial carriers. The new one should even be sold by the president. They expect us to give up something while they don’t.

@UncleOluwafemi’s suggestion that the Borno State Government should pay for the plane purchase was also endorsed by @SirMcAwesome247. “The Borno State House of Assembly can kindly sponsor the aircraft purchase after all, they receive allocation too,” he remarked.

Since a new plane was just acquired for the President, @HONEST08600247 believed that it was only ethically right to buy a new one for the Vice President. He believes Shettima is worthy of a N150 billion jet. “When the news came in that his jet was struck by a meteorite while it was parked in the United States, we all saw that coming,” he remarked. Well, Ahmedu benefits from what Adebayo benefits from. Shettima is worthy of a brand-new aircraft worth 150 billion Naira.

The request was flatly denied by @daggash51, who said that the VP may go abroad on commercial planes. “He may make arrangements to use public transit. @daggash51 stated, “Nigeria cannot afford planes.”