COVID-19 protocols: Ex-Governor physically assaults airport enforcement officer

As airport and security officials begin enforcement of COVID-19 protocol, Very Important Personalities (VIPs) have consistently violated the rules with impunity. 

One of the many cases is former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, who did not only violated the rules set by the government, he assaulted an enforcement officer. 

Airport and PTF on COVID-19 had rolled some regulations and rules to curb the spread of the dreaded virus at the nation’s airports.

The incident occurred at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

The airport officer, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, tried to disinfect the luggage of the former governor who was a passenger but Yari pushed him away, claiming he was a very important personality.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, FAAN condemned the act, describing it as irresponsible and unacceptable.

PerSecondnews recalls that following the resumption of domestic flights in the country early July, the Aviation Minister, Sen. Hadi Sirika, appealed to VIPs including governors and ministers to comply with the new health and passenger facilitation protocols at the nation’s airports.

It said:“The Management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria hereby strongly condemns the conduct of the former Governor of Zamfara State, Alh. Abdulaziz Yari who blatantly violated the Public Health procedures (COVID-19) on travels at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Saturday 11th July 2020.

“He refused to adhere to the protocols and procedures put in place by the Federal Government through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 19 by forcefully pushing away an officer of the Environment Department when he insisted that his luggage must be disinfected.

“The former Governor said the officer should have known he is a VIP.

“This irresponsible act endangers all other airport users, it is unacceptable, and as such it has been duly escalated.”

FAAN cautioned airport users, especially the VIPs to respect the Presidential directive by observing the Public Health travel protocols put in place to protect all air travellers against infection and the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.