President Tinubu Respects Aviation Protocols, NCAA’s Regulatory Authority, Says Achimugu
Against the backdrop of insinuations that the Presidency may weigh in and influence the outcome of the NCAAs oversight function regarding the recent incident involving popular Yoruba musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, otherwise known as K1, the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu has reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu holds the independence of the regulatory body in high esteem and has never Interfered with its oversight functions.
Achimugu said “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not abuse safety and security protocols at any airport. He recognizes the regulatory powers of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and has never interfered or hampered the Authority’s ability to carry out its functions. In fact, Mr. President made aviation the cornerstone of his economic policies, and this has yielded good fruits for Nigeria”
Some Nigerians have taken to social media to posit that due to the alleged connection of the embattled Fuji musician to the President, the musician might be left off the hook.
However, Mr. Achimugu affirmed that “it is important to clearly and unequivocally state that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not known for abusing safety and security protocols at any airport, either within Nigeria or abroad.”
According to the Director, “the situation being discussed is not political, and we caution against attempts to politicize something as vital and sensitive as aviation safety. Aviation laws are not unique to Nigeria. They are global standards designed to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew, regardless of status or office.”
He said: “Nigeria is fortunate to have a president who not only submits himself to routine safety and security checks at our airports, but who also insists on full compliance with applicable protocols. No one is above the law, and that principle is foundational to the president’s leadership.”
Achimugu further said that “the strong statement issued earlier today by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), further reinforces this administration’s zero tolerance for breaches of aviation safety and protocol.
We urge the public to allow ongoing investigations to reach their logical conclusion before drawing premature conclusions or making speculative statements. As more evidence becomes available, the relevant authorities will be in a position to act justly and fairly. Perception must not be mistaken for reality.
We remain committed to a safe, secure, and efficient aviation sector for all Nigerians.” he said.
