An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has reiterated its opposition to the approval of a private airstrip for Bishop David Oyedepo’s Living Faith Bible Church Worldwide.
The group’s Founder/Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, countered the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for saying there was no way the private plane of privileged Nigerians, including Bishop David Oyedepo could leave the country directly from their airstrips without first securing clearance from relevant authorities.
It would be recalled that MURIC had earlier voiced its opposition to the airstrip even as the House of Representatives also called for a revocation of airstrip licences issued to certain individuals and private organisations, citing security reasons.
MURIC, in a statement, argued that the Nigerian system is too weak while Oyedepo’s figure looms so large that effective control of his airstrip will be almost impossible.
He said, “Nigeria has weak structures but strong personalities. We cannot trust this current system where ‘all animals are equal but some are more equal than others’. We fear that Oyedepo will soon become the owner of the ‘authorities’ at his airstrip.
“The Honourable Minister overlooked the Nigerian factor where religious sentiment and ethnicity continue to drag us down. Privileged Nigerians (particularly religious leaders) are worshipped and Oyedepo is on top of the list. Who will search Daddy G. O.’s jet? Who will stop any plane from taking off from or landing on Daddy G. O.’s airstrip?”
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
