He was the one that complained that he was being harassed at the airport and that because of his opposition status, he was harassed
By Mmesoma Onwuka
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has strongly criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, over his claims of being unfairly treated during an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, Keyamo dismissed Obi’s account of the incident, accusing the former Anambra State governor of deliberately misrepresenting the facts.
Keyamo rejected Obi’s allegation that he was harassed at the airport because of his opposition status, insisting that available evidence does not support the claim.
According to the minister, it was inappropriate for a political figure to make such allegations publicly without first allowing the relevant authorities to investigate the matter.
“He was the one that complained that he was being harassed at the airport and that because of his opposition status, he was harassed,” Keyamo said.
Questioning the basis of Obi’s allegations, the minister added: “Is it fair for an opposition candidate to make a claim that he was being harassed and not allow the Minister of Aviation to verify the claim? Is it fair?”
The dispute followed Obi’s earlier complaint over the clamping of a vehicle linked to him at the Abuja airport. Obi had alleged that the action was politically motivated and formed part of a broader pattern of intimidation against him as an opposition leader.
However, Keyamo maintained that an internal review of the incident, including an examination of CCTV footage, showed that airport officials acted in accordance with established regulations. He said the personnel merely carried out their lawful duties and should not be portrayed as agents of political persecution.
The minister had earlier issued Obi a one-week ultimatum to publicly apologise to airport workers and pay a ₦25,000 fine for what he described as a parking violation. He stressed that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or status, is above airport regulations.
The incident has continued to generate public debate, with supporters of both Keyamo and Obi offering contrasting interpretations of what transpired at the airport.