The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday criticized Channels Television presenter Seun Akinbaloye during a live interview over a question concerning the alleged violation of airport parking regulations by the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Keyamo, who appeared on Politics Today on Channels Television, was asked to respond to the Federal Government’s handling of the airport incident involving Obi.
The programme’s anchor, Seun Akinbaloye, asked: “Considering the manner in which the Federal Government handled Peter Obi’s case at the airport, don’t you think that was politics taken too far?”
The minister, however, rejected the premise of the question, arguing that Obi was not confronted with the same issue during his recent appearance on the programme.
According to Keyamo, the media should apply the same standard to all political actors, alleging bias against the current administration.
“Peter Obi was here a few days ago and you interviewed him. Why didn’t you ask him that question? It’s not fair,” Keyamo said.
“You conducted a two-hour interview with Obi and you did not ask him about this issue, yet you are asking me.”
As the presenter attempted to conclude the interview, Keyamo objected, insisting he was being prevented from making his point.
“You are shutting me down now because you know I want to ask a critical question,” the minister said.
The exchange has since sparked reactions on social media, with users debating the minister’s allegations of media bias and the handling of the airport controversy.
