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Borno Speaker Raises Alarm Over Shettima’s Safety, Calls for New VP Aircraft

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 27th, 2024.

Borno Speaker Raises Alarm Over Shettima’s Safety, Calls for New VP Aircraft

Abdulkarim Lawan, the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, has expressed serious concerns regarding the safety of Vice-President Kashim Shettima following a troubling incident involving his aircraft in the United States.

Lawan highlighted that Shettima’s life could be endangered due to the deteriorating condition of the presidential jet he uses, urging the Nigerian government to secure a replacement aircraft.

The incident occurred during a layover at JFK Airport in New York, where a foreign object struck the plane, causing damage to critical components, including the cockpit windscreen. As a result, Shettima was forced to cancel his attendance at the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa.

In a statement released from Maiduguri on October 27, Lawan expressed relief that the vice-president and his team were unharmed but emphasized the necessity for prompt action. “I want to extend my sympathies to the Nigerian government and particularly to the office of the Vice-President and his staff regarding the unfortunate incident at JFK Airport,” he stated. He also called for a comprehensive investigation by U.S. authorities, given the incident’s occurrence at one of the world’s most secure airports.

Lawan underscored the dangers posed by the aging presidential jet, stressing the urgent need for a new aircraft for the vice-president. “The current situation puts the lives of the Vice-President and his crew at risk. We must act swiftly to procure a new aircraft to prevent future incidents,”he urged.