… as FG begins probe of two governors, others
Following reactions to the flouting of COVID-19 protocols at the airports by some state governors and others regarded as Very Important Persons, the Federal Government has said that it is investigating cases reported by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, former Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, among others, have been accused of flouting laid down guidelines and even assaulting protocol officials in some cases.
While Fintiri was alleged to have refused a temperature check at the Port Harcourt Airport, along with his entourage, Yari was said to have assaulted an official for putting him through the protocols.
Yari has, however, since denied the allegation, saying he passed through the Kano airport but did not assault any official.
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who disclosed the commencement of the investigation during the briefing of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 on Thursday, however, said if allegations against the VIPs were found to be untrue after investigation, the government would apologise to them.
But he said categorically that if they were found to have flouted the rules, they would be handed over to the Police for prosecution.
He also mentioned the name of the Publisher of This Day, Nduka Obaigbena, as one of those who had reportedly flouted airport protocols.
He said, “These alleged unruly passengers included the former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, whom I spoke to yesterday at length, the current governor of Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri.
“That of Abdul’aziz (Yari) was on Saturday in Kano; that of Fintiri was in Port Harcourt, and then Chief Nduka Obaigbena was here in Abuja.
“These are all under investigation and if it is found to be true, we will do the needful. If it is found to be untrue, we will definitely apologise to these individuals.”
Sirika added that Part 17, Section 97(2), defined unruly behaviour as fighting or other disorderly conduct onboard an aircraft or within the vicinity of the airports, noting that disobedience of lawful instructions by the captain or flight crew, cabin crew, check-in or security screening staff was also a criminal offence.
According to the minister, the law recommends the punishment of criminal referral for imprisonment for not less than two months, for related offences.
He said, “It can be 10 years. So, if you are found to be an unruly passenger because you are a VIP, the simplest thing we can do is to refer you to the police and they must by law prosecute you and it will not be for less than two months. Nobody wants to be a criminal for one minute
“So, if you are a VIP, show you are a VIP by conducting yourself in a manner you want to be identified with. We have some videos of these unruly passengers and the punishment will not be less than two months if found liable by a court of law.”
