When Peter Obi described the seizure of three presidential jets belonging to Nigeria by a Chinese firm, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Limited, as an international embarrassment, many thought he was only out to drag the Tinubu-led government.
But now, many are beginning to understand what he was talking about.
This is so because Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu may have to attend a meeting using one of the seized jets.
In fact, the usage of that jet now depends on Zhongshan, the Chinese company.
Luckily for Tinubu, the company has released one of the three Nigerian aircraft, Airbus A330, detained in France, following the court order, to enable the Nigerian leader to attend a meeting.
A Goodwill Gesture
Zhongshan in a statement on Friday said the release of one of the three Presidential Jets was a goodwill gesture from the company to the President.
The statement explained that Nigeria authority notified the company that President Tinubu had a scheduled meeting with France President, Emmanuel Macron.
To them, it would be impossible for the President to attend the meeting without one of the presidential jets.
Also Read: Presidential Jets Saga: Peter Obi Shares Two Cents
The statement read: “Zhongshan has consistently sought to act reasonably and fairly in the course of a legal dispute with Nigeria which was not of its making.
“It has now been made aware that an Airbus A330, currently detained in France as a result of a French court order obtained by Zhongshan, is needed for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to travel to a scheduled meeting with President Macron of France early next week.
“As a gesture of goodwill, Zhongshan has lifted the seizure of that aircraft immediately.
“This will allow it to be used for the President’s trip.”
The statement emphasised that the company remains committed to talks with the Nigerian government with a view to reaching a reasonable compromise rapidly.
