FAAN Blasts Ex-Gov Yari For Breaching COVID-19 Airport Protocol As VIP

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has accused former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari of violating COVID-19 protocol at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, describing his actions as “irresponsible”.

Yari was reported to have refused to adhere to safety protocols and procedures put in place at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Saturday as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The former Governor was said to have described himself as a “VIP” and was reported to have forcefully pushed the officer who was trying to disinfect his luggage.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, air travels were suspended in the country as part of movement restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

Ahead of the July 8 resumption of flights in Abuja and Lagos, FAAN issued operating guidelines to passengers and airlines to prevent an outbreak at airports.

The airports authority, while condemning Yari’s action, said his behaviour was capable of endangering other airport users.

The reaction to his conduct was contained in a series of tweets posted on Wednesday by FAAN on its official twitter handle, @FAAN_Official.

The tweet, which was tagged Public announcement, reads: “The Management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) hereby strongly condemns the conduct of the former Governor of Zamfara State, Alh. Abdulaziz Yari who blatantly violated the Public Health procedures (COVID19) 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 (PTF) on #COVID19 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 hereby cautions all airport users, especially our esteemed VIPs, to please respect the presidential directive by observing the public health travel protocols put in place to protect all air travelers against infection and the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.”