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By Emman Ovuakporie
Disturbed by the closure of the Akanu Ibiam international Airport in Enugu State, Members of the House of Representatives South East caucus yesterday asked President Muhamnadu Buhari to urgently intervene in the repairs and eventual re-opening of one of the oldest airports in Nigeria.
This was sequel to a motion under matter of urgent public importance to ensure speedy rehabilitation of the airport co-sponsored by 14 lawmakers.
Hon Toby Okechukwu, the deputy minority leader of the House who led the debate said:
“On August 24, 2019, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) closed down Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu to allow for rehabilitation works of the runway.
The Enugu born lawmaker explained that “the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Hardi Sirika visited Enugu and after a meeting with governors and stakeholders in the South East, affirmed that the rehabilitation would be completed by Christmas 2019.
“But we are surprised that six weeks after closure of the airport, no rehabilitation or reconstruction work has begun at the airport
even as there are no indications that the contractor would mobilize to site any time soon.
Immediately after his submission, Okechukwu alongside his colleagues addressed newsmen demanding that Buhari should intervene as December is around the corner.
He said” we need a presidential intervention from the ministry of Aviation and we are collectively making this demand and fervently hope that their intervention will be immediate.
” We are making this special appeal and hope the airport will be given the same speedy attention given to the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport.
Other lawmakers in his entourage equally pleaded with Buhari to immediately intervene as the airport serves as a transit point to the middle belt and North Eastern part of Nigeria.
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