The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has approved the payment of the N25,000 airport parking fine imposed on the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by a third party.
The minister gave the approval in response to an offer by Nnaemeka Ikerionwu, who volunteered to settle the fine on Obi’s behalf.
In a post on his X account, Keyamo directed Ikerionwu to liaise with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for the payment process.
“Mr Nnaemeka Ikerionwu should proceed to see the Director of Commercial and Business Development of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, who will guide him on the procedure for paying the fine on behalf of the offender,” the minister said.
The development follows the controversy surrounding Obi’s vehicle, which had its tyres clamped at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on July 4.
Keyamo had earlier ordered an internal investigation after Obi alleged that airport officials unjustly clamped the vehicle’s tyres.
According to the minister, findings from the investigation, including a review of CCTV footage, showed that the vehicle was left unattended in a restricted parking area after Obi was dropped off by a police driver, prompting airport officials to enforce the airport’s parking regulations.
“The investigation established that the vehicle was parked in a restricted area, contrary to airport regulations, which necessitated the action taken by security personnel,” he stated.
While confirming that the government would accept payment of the fine through another individual, Keyamo also criticised Obi’s earlier allegation that he was deliberately targeted by airport authorities.
“Now that the facts have been established, Peter Obi should think twice before making claims of being targeted at our airports or elsewhere in an attempt to attract public sympathy,” he said.
The minister, however, did not clarify whether his earlier demand that Obi issue a public apology to airport officials remained in effect.
