Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the legal counsel to the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has characterized the recent confiscation of three presidential aircraft by a Chinese corporation, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, as a “global embarrassment.”
Naija News reports that Ejiofor, in a press release issued on Saturday, expressed criticism towards the Federal Government, further stating that the nation’s sovereignty is at risk due to significant concerns regarding national debt.
The IPOB lawyer further expressed concerns that Nigerians may someday wake up to discover that the nation’s assets are tied to foreign judgment.
He said, “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.
“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.”
Naija News reports that on the 15th of August, a French court intervened and seized the presidential aircraft, following a discrepancy in contractual obligations between the Ogun State Government and the Chinese corporation.
This action was precipitated by a 2007 pact to establish a free trade zone, which disintegrated, resulting in a dispute that led to arbitration proceedings.
Despite a ruling by an independent arbitral tribunal in favour of Zhongshan, awarding the company approximately $74.5 million, the Ogun State Government has contested the decision and has yet to fulfil its obligations in accordance with the award.
In a recent development, the company spokesperson announced that one of the aircraft had been returned to the Nigerian authorities.
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