EXCITING NEWS: TNG WhatsApp Channel is LIVE…
Subscribe for FREE to get LIVE NEWS UPDATE. Click here to subscribe!
A group, known as the Okpe Union in Delta State has condemned the renaming of Osubi International Airport after Alfred Diete Spiff International Airport by the immediate past President Muhammad Buhari during the twilight of his administration.
Okpe union said it was a deliberate act to cause crisis in Delta State in particular, and Niger Delta region in general.
According to the group, King Alfred Diete Spiff who the Osubi airport is named after is not an indigene of Delta state.
They said Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff is from Bayelsa State, not Delta State saying that he is the Amayanabo (King) of Twon-Brass in Bayelsa State.
They added that those involved in the renaming of the airport didn’t consult widely before putting forward the name of Diete Spiff.
This was made known via a statement signed and released by the National Publicity Secretary for Okpe Union World Wide chief King O.Irir on Tuesday, July 11.
The statement reads partly, It’s our belief that those who handled the renaming may not have consulted widely enough with relevant stakeholders before embarking on the exercise. And when those in the positions of authority and power refused to ask questions or allow thier personal feelings or political affiliations affect their decisions, they end up doing more dishonour and diservice to the honouree,the immediate locality in particular, the state and the country at large”
The union hereby appeal to the people of Delta state to remain calm and resolute, stating that negotiations is ongoing on the matter.
Continuing, the union urges the Federal Government to reconsider its decision and rectify the oversight.
They call on the FG to rename the airport after sons and daughters of Delta state, saying that it will serve as motivation and inspiration to future generations.
Recall that in the twilight of his administration, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the renaming of 15 airports after some notable Nigerians.