The House of Representatives has demanded for tight security in and around airports across Nigeria for improved protection of lives and property of air passengers. The call followed the unanimous adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by a member, Jimoh OlaJide, at plenary on Tuesday. Presenting the motion, Olajide remembered the commotion caused by a passenger, identified as Obiajulu Uja on Friday aboard an Ibom Airplane, which caused panic among passengers and led to the delay of the flight.
Mr. Uja, who introduced himself as a member of the Obidient Movement, being supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, declared that the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must never be sworn in as president.
The airline security team and aviation security personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja had to move him off the plane.
The incident involving Uja, who had to be held down for about three hours before the situation was brought under control, breached the peace and safety of travelers on the flight, said Mr. Olajide.
Adopting the motion titled ‘Need to Ensure Strict Security in and Around Our Airports and Other Critical Facilities,’ the House urged the Federal Government to “improve on security standards at the airports, especially exploring technology,” the lawmakers urged FAAN, and other relevant agencies in the aviation sector to “pay more attention to security concern and ensure the lives of citizens are not in any way endangered.”
The house further encouraged security agencies to “ensure that unscrupulous elements are not allowed to foment trouble in any guise, especially at airports.