Chief Chidiebere J. Okoh, a leading chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State and a staunch ally of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has unequivocally condemned Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, for his “unguarded and disrespectful comments” directed at the former governor.
In a bold statement made in Umuahia on Friday, Chief Okoh expressed his outrage regarding Minister Keyamo’s remarks, asserting that Senator Kalu’s impressive track record in both politics and aviation speaks volumes. “It is wholly unacceptable for a federal minister like Festus Keyamo to address Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in such a disrespectful and cavalier manner. Senator Kalu is not just a former governor and a ranking lawmaker; he is a trailblazer in the Nigerian aviation industry, having engaged directly with pilots and industry professionals while Keyamo was simply a charge-and-bail lawyer in Lagos,” Okoh stated firmly.
He further criticized Keyamo for lacking the authority and experience to question Senator Kalu’s insights, which are the result of years of hands-on involvement in the aviation sector. “To suggest that Senator Kalu is seeking media attention is not only an insult to his distinguished career but also a fundamental miscalculation of his public stature. Senator Kalu is a goldfish with no hiding place—his achievements and reputation are well recognized both nationally and internationally,” he declared.
Chief Okoh insisted that, given his role, Minister Keyamo must exhibit greater maturity and professionalism. “As a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo must show the restraint and respect deserving of leaders like Senator Kalu. His recent actions drastically fall short of the expectations attached to his office,” Okoh emphasized.
He demanded an immediate retraction of Keyamo’s statements and urged him to show the respect that is warranted in his public engagements, especially when addressing distinguished leaders who have made tremendous contributions to national progress.
