“Leave Peter Obi Alone!” – Nigerians Mock Keyamo’s ₦25,000 Fine, Flood Social Media with Support for Obi
The demand by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), that Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, should apologise to airport officials and pay a ₦25,000 parking fine has ignited a storm of reactions across social media, with many Nigerians questioning both the handling of the incident and the minister’s response.
The controversy followed the release of CCTV footage by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which the minister said disproved Obi’s claim that his vehicle was unfairly blocked at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Keyamo subsequently insisted that Obi should apologise to the airport authorities and pay the prescribed ₦25,000 fine for violating airport parking regulations.
However, instead of ending the debate, the minister’s position has triggered an avalanche of comments online, particularly on Facebook, where thousands of users expressed varying opinions, with a significant number defending Obi and criticising the government’s handling of the matter.
“Leave Peter Obi Alone” Trends
One of the most popular reactions came from Equity Chuks, whose comment attracted hundreds of likes.
“Please tell Festus Keyamo to send his account details, I want to pay him the ₦25k, if that will make APC focus on good governance and leave HE Peter Obi alone.”
The comment resonated with many users who felt the issue had been unnecessarily politicised.
Another Facebook user, Kararau Josh Yaks, questioned the completeness of the CCTV footage.
“With the evidence you presented, the car was locked by 8:30 p.m. and was unlocked by 9:04 p.m. What happened within those 34 minutes that was cut?”
The comment reflects concerns shared by several users who argued that the released footage left unanswered questions.
Questions Over the CCTV Footage
Many Nigerians also doubted the quality and completeness of the surveillance video.
One user, Almustapha Kabir Muhammad, simply asked:
“Na airport CCTV be like this?”
Another commenter wondered why other vehicles allegedly parked in the same area were not similarly sanctioned.
“Peter Obi said there were other cars parking in the same place but only him was attacked.”
Others argued that airport authorities should focus on preventing disputes rather than allowing them to escalate.
Criticism of Keyamo
Some reactions shifted attention to the Aviation Minister himself.
A Facebook user, Onyekachi KEke Humphery, wrote:
“Na waitin you go de see when lawyer de manage the aviation and aerospace sector.”
The comment attracted significant engagement from other users.
Meanwhile, another commenter humorously wrote that he wanted the minister’s bank account details so he could personally pay the ₦25,000 fine if it would finally put the matter to rest.
Praise for Obi’s Response
Some supporters commended Peter Obi for refraining from engaging in a prolonged public exchange with the minister.
One user, Abdul Musa, wrote:
“Trust Peter Obi not to join issues with Hon. Minister. Obi’s level of maturity and sophistication is out of this world.”
Public Opinion Remains Divided
While many comments favoured Obi, others maintained that airport rules should apply equally to every Nigerian, regardless of political status, arguing that if any violation occurred, the prescribed penalty should be enforced without exception.
The online debate highlights how even routine regulatory issues involving high-profile political figures quickly become subjects of intense public and political discourse in Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, Peter Obi had not publicly responded to Keyamo’s demand for an apology and payment of the ₦25,000 parking fine.
What do you think?
Should Peter Obi apologise and pay the ₦25,000 fine as demanded by Festus Keyamo, or has the matter become unnecessarily politicised?
Share your opinion in the comments.
