Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to recover a N25,000 fine from former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over an alleged parking violation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Keyamo gave the directive in a statement on Friday, following Obi’s recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, where the former Anambra State governor claimed his vehicle was unfairly clamped while other vehicles parked in the same area were left untouched.
Obi had also alleged that some airport officials now avoid interacting with him because they fear being targeted by the Federal Government.
Responding to the claims, Keyamo said an internal investigation, backed by CCTV footage, showed that Obi’s vehicle was left unattended in the airport’s drop-off zone for about 30 minutes, contrary to airport regulations.
According to the minister, Obi arrived at the domestic terminal on July 4 at about 8:28 p.m. in a vehicle driven by a police officer. After Obi and two other occupants entered the terminal, the driver parked the vehicle in the drop-off area and also left it unattended.
He explained that airport rules require drivers to remain inside their vehicles while in the drop-off zone. Leaving a vehicle unattended, he said, poses a security risk and violates international airport safety standards.
Keyamo said airport security officers eventually clamped the vehicle’s tyres after discovering it had been abandoned. He added that the officers were unaware the vehicle belonged to Obi at the time.
According to the minister, the police officer later returned, contacted Obi by phone and handed the phone to the airport manager. Following the conversation, the vehicle was released without payment of the prescribed fine.
The minister dismissed Obi’s claim that other vehicles committed similar offences, describing the allegation as false and accusing the former governor of attempting to score political points.
He said anyone seeking the country’s highest office should be prepared to obey the same laws that apply to every Nigerian.
Keyamo therefore asked Obi to publicly apologise to the airport officials involved, saying they were only carrying out their lawful duties.
He also demanded that Obi voluntarily return to the airport to pay the N25,000 penalty for the parking offence.
The minister warned that if Obi fails to comply within one week, he will instruct FAAN to take further action in line with the law.
Keyamo said the CCTV footage of the incident supports the government’s position and confirms that the airport officials acted appropriately.
