Latest News

Why Atiku was searched ― Sirika

Published by
Hadi Sirika, Aviation minister

THE Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has said that the search carried out on the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, is routine, noting that even though his travel bag was searched, the former Vice President was accorded his respect.

In a statement made available by the presidency but signed by Sirika, on Sunday, accused Atiku of trying to grab headlines, alleging that one conclusion at the presidential candidate’s meetings in Dubai was to engage in scaremongering.

The statement read: “This is a mischievous attempt to grab the headlines. Nigerians need to know that one of the resolutions of the Atiku team at their recently-concluded, opulently-held Dubai retreat was to embark on scaremongering. This is one of such.

ALSO READ: DSS hands off investigation of APC, party primaries

“For the records, all incoming passengers on international flights go through customs, Immìgration, health and security screening.

“Where the aircraft is using the private, charter wing, as the PDP Candidate did, such arrivals are met by a team of the Immìgration, customs and other security agencies. They go to the arriving aircraft as a team.

“The airport authorities confirm that this is a routine process, applying to all international arrivals, including the minister unless the passenger is the President of Nigeria.

“The President, the Vice President and passengers aboard planes on the Presidential air fleet use the Presidential wing of the airport.

“It is also important to state that even in the Presidential Wing of the airport the President of Nigeria uses, there is the presence of Immìgration and other security officials who must stamp his or her passport on arrival.

“By standard procedure, all aircraft on international arrivals must first of all park at the international wing of the aircraft. They can move to the domestic terminal only upon the completion of the arrival processes.

“While it is true that the Task Force on Currency at the airport did the routine action of checking the former Vice President’s travel bag, he was accorded full respect as a senior citizen.

“These checks are mandatory, conventional, internationally applied and routine. No one is excused from them under our laws. These checks are carried out on all international arrivals and President Buhari does not get involved in them.

“Law-abiding citizens are encouraged to respect the laws of the country and our VIPs should not seek to be treated over and above the citizens, they wish to serve.”

Recent Posts

He dreams of becoming a doctor, we need Nigerians to help him stay alive — Father of 10-yr-old boy battling kidney, heart failure

Mr Daniel Paul, a teacher from Akwa Ibom State living in Port Harcourt, Rivers State,…

12 minutes ago

SAN calls for fresh Constitution as Nigeria reviews 1999 document

He noted that while Nigeria’s current constitutional framework provides for citizenship by birth, registration, and…

2 hours ago

Egbin Power boss calls for sustainable development in electricity sector

We have explored how collaboration can unlock transformative investments, improve liquidity, and accelerate the adoption…

3 hours ago

Gov Bala introduces investor to Aiyedatiwa

Governor Mohammed was accompanied by Dr. Abbas Waziri, Managing Director of Resident Cement and a…

3 hours ago

EXPLAINER: What to know about viral video of Obi sharing food at Imo event

The event, dubbed "The Jubilee Of Hope," aimed to reverse roles, with the rich serving…

3 hours ago

Remain ambassadors of positive change, Customs CG charges new graduates

"The investment in this course for the officers is one worth every penny. Participants must…

3 hours ago

Welcome

Install

This website uses cookies.