Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged harassment of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi at an airport, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo addressed questions during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, July 30, 2026. Keyamo emphasised that the media ought to have confronted Obi regarding the accusations he made.
The host of the show, Seun Okinbaloye, brought up the question of whether or not the federal government's approach to the situation was politically motivated, which led to the controversy. In response to your query, Keyamo denied the accusation and said that the media had portrayed the scandal unfairly.
A prior interview provided media with an opportunity to ask Obi directly about the allegations, but they chose not to, according to the minister. According to him, in order to be fair and impartial, it is necessary to examine both sides equally.
Thus, I will pose a query to you, a rhetorical question, as he put it. Seun, I am treating you with the utmost respect.
You failed to enquire with Peter Obi about why he lied when he visited here a few days ago. Things are unfair. That is why it is imperative that the press maintains complete objectivity.
He was the one who went to the airport to lodge a complaint, claiming that he was the target of harassment due to his opposition status.
However, you performed a two-hour interview with Peter Obi by your side. I'm being asked now. No one asked him.
Keyamo argued that journalists should hold all public officials responsible, irrespective of their political connections, and that balanced journalism is necessary in politically sensitive subjects.
He made the argument that the public loses faith in impartial reporting when questions are asked from just one side of a topic.
0 Comments