Taiwo Popoola
The House of Representatives on Wednesday called on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Festus Keyamo to revoke airstrip licenses approved for Living Faith Church and other individuals.
The House kicked against issuance of airstrip licenses to private individuals and organizations, citing security issues.
The call followed the adoption of an urgent motion titled “NEED TO STOP ISSUANCE OF AIRSTRIP LICENSE TO PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS IN THE COUNTRY by Rep Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi during plenary in Abuja.
While moving the motion, Gumi noted that the Federal Government through Keyamo had confirmed the approval of an airstrip for Living Faith Church situated on Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State.
The lawmaker further explained that the founder of the church, Bishop David Oyedepo during the Tehillah Night Special edition at Covenant University Chapel, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State also informed his congregation that the federal government approved an airstrip for the church.
He said, “Recall that in September 2014, a prominent religious leader was linked with a private jet used to convey $9.3m in cash to South Africa for the purchase of arms.
“The private jet which was seized by the South African authorities had two Nigerians and an Israeli on board.
“The country currently experiences security challenges through illegal importation/proliferation of firearms and ammunition, importation of illicit/hard drugs.
“Granting airstrip to private individuals and organizations will aid illegal importation of firearms and hard drugs into the country, thus heightening insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and other vices that are seriously affecting the socio-economic development of the country”.
The lower legislative chamber, however urged the Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
