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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has stated that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is in urgent need of media attention.
This statement follows Kalu's claims that pilots and cabin crew members in Nigeria are involved in substance abuse.
In response, Keyamo characterized the lawmaker’s remarks as reckless, unfounded, and politically motivated.
In a comprehensive rebuttal titled “Leadership, Responsibility, and the Recklessness of Words — Setting the Record Straight on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s Aviation Allegations,” the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, asserted that the Senator’s comments are dangerous and could incite panic among the traveling public.
“It is one thing to advocate for higher standards; it is quite another to make unfounded allegations without any evidence. The Senator is merely seeking desperate media attention,” the statement read.
He further noted that Kalu’s remarks undermine the integrity of the aviation sector and disrespect the thousands of professionals who dedicate their lives to ensuring passenger safety.
The statement also revisited Senator Kalu’s history in the aviation industry, recalling the rise and fall of his now-defunct airline, Slok Air, which was established in 1996.
The airline, although financed in Nigeria, primarily operated from Banjul International Airport in The Gambia and ceased operations in 2008 due to financial and management difficulties.
What comments did Senator Orji Uzor Kalu make regarding pilots and cabin crew? Senator Kalu alleged that pilots and cabin crew members in Nigeria are involved in substance abuse.
Senator Kalu alleged that pilots and cabin crew members in Nigeria are involved in substance abuse.
How did Minister Festus Keyamo respond to Kalu's allegations? Minister Keyamo described Kalu's statements as reckless and politically motivated, emphasizing that they could cause panic among the public.
Minister Keyamo described Kalu's statements as reckless and politically motivated, emphasizing that they could cause panic among the public.
What was the history of Senator Kalu's airline, Slok Air? Slok Air was founded in 1996 and primarily operated from Banjul International Airport in The Gambia. The airline ceased operations in 2008 due to financial and management issues.
Slok Air was founded in 1996 and primarily operated from Banjul International Airport in The Gambia. The airline ceased operations in 2008 due to financial and management issues.
