No Landing Permit Denial: APC Chieftain Clears Air on Taraba Airport Incident
Contrary to media reports, 27 senators were not denied landing permits at the Kashimbila Airport in Taraba State, according to APC Chieftain Chief (Dr) David Sabo Kente.
Kente clarified that the airport has been concessioned to a private firm, and the transitioning process between the Federal Government and the new handlers is still ongoing.
As a result, routine flight operations have been suspended at the airport to enable a smooth transition. Kente emphasised that this development is not peculiar to the senators, but rather a necessary step to allow the new handlers to restructure and improve the facility to meet international standards.
Kente, who is also the Chairman of DSK Foundation and a 2023 governorship contender in Taraba State, explained that a request for landing permits was made to the airport to facilitate the transportation of guests, including Senator David Jimkuta. However, due to the ongoing transitioning process, it was not possible to grant the permits.
The APC Chieftain attributed the statement credited to Senator Jimkuta, which claimed that the senators were denied landing permits, to a communication gap. Kente appealed for calm and urged the media to exercise caution when reporting, subjecting every information to thorough scrutiny before publication.