Buhari and Osinbajo are the only Nigerians exempt from airport search
Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, says President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo are the only Nigerians exempt from routine search by security operatives at any airport in Nigeria.
The minister made this known in the wake of allegation by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that former vice-president Atiku Abubakar was intimidated by security operatives on arrival from Dubai on Sunday.
Atiku, the party’s presidential candidate for the 2019 elections, had alleged that he was searched and intimidated by airport security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
But Sirika, in his first reaction, dismissed the claim, saying it was a mischievous attempt aimed at attracting media attention.
In another reaction to the allegation, the minister said the security checks were misinterpreted as having political undertone, when actually it was a case of professional and industry practice as regulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Speaking through the ministry’s media aide, James Odaudu, Sirika said: “It should be noted that such checks as carried out on the former vice president’s aircraft are mandatory and routine, and that no one is exempted except the president, vice president and visiting presidents.
“The ICAO security programme also requires that ministers and senior government officials are screened in the same manner as other passengers as they are expected to set examples for the travelling public and to the aviation security officials responsible for screening passengers.
“It is a routine practice that all incoming aircraft and passengers on international flights must go through customs, immigration, health, security and money laundering checks.
“The general public is, therefore, assured that the ministry and its agencies would always accord the desired respect to the nation’s leaders, just as they are committed to ensuring the entrenchment of safety and security at the nation’s airports without political considerations.”
A female student from Nile University in Abuja shared a video of her hostel on TikTok The video was posted… Read More
Billionaire businessman Obinna Tochuukwu Iyiegbu, known as Obi Cubana, threw an extravagant birthday party for his wife, Ebele. Despite facing… Read More
Regina Daniels is actively addressing marriage rumors circulating online Recently, she posted a picture with her mother during a visit… Read More
Dbanj shared affectionate pictures with his gorgeous wife, Lineo He posted them on Instagram to celebrate her for International Women’s… Read More
Adeife Adeoya, shared a heartfelt video about the challenges of owning a business The video went viral, showcasing her emotional… Read More
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled Africa's first feature film on Artificial Intelligence, Makemation, on Sunday. The AI film,… Read More
This website uses cookies.