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Lawmakers Urge Keyamo to Revoke Oyedepo’s Airstrip Licence

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The House of Representatives has raised concerns over the security risks of granting an airstrip license to private entities, particularly the Living Faith Church, which is owned by Bishop David Oyedepo.

During a plenary session on Wednesday, lawmakers warned that such airstrips could potentially be used for illegal importation of firearms and hard drugs.

The debate comes after recent approval of an airstrip license for Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, located in Ota, Ogun State.

The motion was moved by Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, representing the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State.

Gumi urged the House to call on the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, to immediately stop the license issuance to Oyedepo’s church, citing serious national security concerns.

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According to Gumi, the potential misuse of private airstrips poses a risk of increased criminal activities in Nigeria.

“The country already faces major security issues,” Gumi stated, referring to challenges such as illegal arms smuggling and the importation of illicit drugs.

He argued that private airstrips could provide an unchecked route for these dangerous imports, further fueling issues like insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping.

During his motion, Gumi recalled an incident in 2014 when a private jet, associated with a prominent Nigerian religious figure, was linked to the movement of $9.3 million in cash to South Africa for the purchase of arms.

This private jet, seized by South African authorities, had two Nigerians and an Israeli on board, and it sparked controversy around private aviation in Nigeria.

Gumi’s reference to the 2014 incident served as a cautionary example, highlighting the ease with which private jets and airstrips can be used for questionable activities.

He argued that by issuing such licenses, the government may unintentionally enable illegal activities that would be harder to detect through regular air transport channels.

“The issue is not just about one church or one airstrip. It’s about national security,” Gumi said.

The motion found unanimous support in the House, with members echoing his concerns and agreeing on the need for vigilance.

Many lawmakers fear that granting airstrips to private organizations could worsen Nigeria’s already complex security situation.

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This includes a rising wave of insurgency in the North, widespread kidnappings, and growing reports of banditry across several regions.

The House of Representatives further urged the Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to ensure adherence to this decision.

Their goal is to maintain national security by preventing the possibility of misuse of airstrips for illegal purposes.

Bishop Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church, had previously announced the government’s approval for his church’s airstrip.

He made this revelation on October 6 during the Tehillah Night Special event at Covenant University, where he spoke to his congregation about the achievement.

The airstrip, he noted, would support the operations of Living Faith Church in various ways, as well as aid Covenant University, which is located within Canaanland.

While the purpose of the airstrip may be primarily for church and educational purposes, lawmakers remain cautious about granting private organizations direct control over such facilities.

Nigeria’s experience with private jets has already been controversial, as highlighted in past events involving the transportation of cash and arms.

With the escalating threat of terrorism and illegal arms distribution, many in government believe it is too risky to allow private airstrips without strict monitoring.

Bishop Oyedepo has not yet responded to the House’s statement, nor has the Living Faith Church issued any comments on the matter.

Some lawmakers are worried that, without strict oversight, private airstrips could become a hidden avenue for the movement of arms and drugs.

“We cannot ignore the security risks simply because of the status of the applicants,” Gumi insisted.

Supporters of the motion argue that private airstrips may create loopholes in Nigeria’s national security system, making it harder for security agencies to monitor illegal activities.

They also emphasize that criminal groups are increasingly sophisticated and may exploit any perceived weaknesses in security measures.

Hon. Gumi himself has been an active figure in Nigerian politics, having recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Before his defection, he was appointed Chairman of the House Committee on the North-West Development Commission (NWDC), an agency aimed at addressing regional security and development issues.

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