The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the House of Representatives Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to conduct their investigation into the airstrip licence granted to the Living Faith Church with transparency and fairness. The appeal comes amidst growing scrutiny over the licence, which was approved in October by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
CAN Advocates for Fairness
In a statement issued on Saturday, CAN President Daniel Okoh affirmed that Living Faith Church adhered to all regulatory procedures when securing the licence for the airstrip located in Otta, Ogun State. He warned against making premature associations between the church and potential illegal activities without evidence, emphasizing that such assumptions could damage the credibility of both religious institutions and regulatory authorities.
“As the House Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance undertake their investigation, it is imperative that this process remains transparent and impartial,” Okoh stated. He urged lawmakers to avoid allowing religious biases to influence their judgments, stressing the importance of fairness in their deliberations.
Concerns Over Revocation
Okoh cautioned that revoking the licence without substantial evidence could set a dangerous precedent and infringe on the rights of religious organizations. “The church has always been a stronghold for peace, development, and community service,” he added, emphasizing its commitment to legality and transparency.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began shortly after Keyamo’s approval of the airstrip licence, when the House of Representatives passed a resolution urging the Aviation Ministry to halt the issuance of airstrip licences to private entities and withdraw previously granted approvals. This resolution was driven by a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Sulaiman Abubakar, a lawmaker representing the Gummi/Bukkuyum federal constituency of Zamfara State.
Keyamo responded sharply, criticizing the resolution as based on a misunderstanding of the aviation sector. He clarified that private airstrip owners are responsible for building runways and terminal buildings, which are later handed over to the federal government through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The agency retains full control of Nigeria’s airspace.
CAN’s Stand
CAN has reiterated its position that the investigation must avoid unfairly targeting religious institutions and ensure that decisions are made based on evidence. The organization pointed out the need for lawmakers to consider the broader implications of their actions, including the potential for undermining trust in both regulatory processes and faith-based initiatives.
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