The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, has claimed that the life of Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, is at risk due to the “faulty” presidential aircraft he travels with.

Shettima had to cancel his trip to the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa following an incident at an airport in New York, United States.

The Presidency confirmed that a “foreign object” hit his plane during a stopover at JFK Airport in New York.

Some parts of the aircraft, including the windscreen of the cockpit, were damaged in the incident.

In a statement issued in Maiduguri, the capital Borno state, on Sunday, Lawan asked the Nigerian Government to purchase a new jet for Shettima.

He said: “I want to sympathize with the Nigerian Government, especially the office of the Vice President, his crew and staff over the unfortunate incident at JFK Airport in New York, U.S.A.

“I also express my gratitude to Allah (God) for saving the precious life of our dear Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima and those on board the ill- fated VP’s plane, even as I urge the Nigerian government to demand a thorough and timely investigation from the United States government over the incident that affected Vice President Kashim Shettima’s plane at one of the most secure spots in the World.

“The life of the Vice President, and that of his crew/officials stand at risk while using the old and faulty presidential aircraft.

“Therefore, there is the urgent need to acquire a new aircraft for Senator Kashim Shettima so as to avoid the recurrence of air mishaps.”