The Nigerian Senate yesterday implored aviation authorities to blacklist Very Important Persons (VIPs) that are violating the COVID-19 safety and security protocol at the airports by prescribing a four-month ban for such offenders. The red chamber also recommended that such violators should be exposed publicly to serve as a deterrent to others. The development is coming on the heels of an earlier declaration by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that it would not be deterred in implementing its Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the success of its security and public health protocol in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recently, some past and present State governors, as well as VIPs were reported violating with impunity, the various safety and security protocol at airports. The Governor of Adamawa State, Fintiri, former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, and the publisher of a national daily among others were called out by FAAN for airport infractions.
The Chairman Senate Committee on aviation, Smart Adeyemi had written to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Siriki, noting that it won't be out of place to bring all violators to book. Adeyemi stated that it has been brought to his attention that some highly placed individuals, who ought to adhere completely to the guidelines put in place have been found wanting.
"It has been reported that these individuals have shown an unwillingness to comply with laid down rules and guidelines for the safety of all Nigerians. This must not be condoned under any circumstance," he Stated.
Adeyemi reckoned that the virus was no respecter of status or position stressing that in the face of health issues, everyone was equal and no individual should be allowed to jeopardise the health and safety of another. "In truth, public office holders and highly placed individuals should be more concerned about the safety of the people. with position comes the burden of service.
"I, therefore, urge that any Nigerian who deliberately fail to comply with all measures as directed, should not be allowed entry into the Nigerian airports for at least four months, irrespective of his position. Furthermore, such individual should be blacklisted at all airports and exposed on the media so as to serve as deterrence to others," he said.
