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Lawmaker Urges Orji Kalu to Withdraw Drug Abuse Remark Against Pilots
Member of the National Assembly has urged Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to withdraw his recent comment alleging that some Nigerian pilots take hard drugs, saying the statement is false and harmful to the nation’s aviation industry.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Kalu, a former governor of Abia State and senator representing Abia North, made the claim during a Senate session on aviation safety last week. He alleged that “some pilots use Indian hemp” and accused the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) of failing to properly monitor pilots before flights.
His statement sparked widespread outrage among aviation professionals, who described it as reckless and damaging.
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) swiftly condemned Kalu’s remark and demanded that he provide evidence or withdraw it immediately.
In a statement signed by its President, Capt. Bunmi Gindeh, NAAPE said the senator’s allegation was “baseless, malicious, and a serious affront” to the integrity of Nigerian pilots.
“We consider Senator Kalu’s comment an insult to hardworking aviation professionals who uphold the highest standards of safety,” Gindeh said. “If he has evidence, he should present it. Otherwise, he should withdraw the statement and tender a public apology.”
The association also called on the Senate leadership to caution Kalu and prevent future unverified claims that could damage public confidence in the aviation sector.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority also rejected Kalu’s assertion, insisting that pilots in the country undergo rigorous medical examinations and random drug tests to ensure they are fit to fly.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, the NCAA said all licensed pilots are required to hold valid medical certificates that test for cardiovascular, neurological, mental, and visual fitness.
“The NCAA conducts both scheduled and surprise tests on flight crew to ensure compliance,” Najomo said. “We will not allow any pilot to operate an aircraft under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
Najomo further clarified that contrary to Kalu’s suggestion, no Nigerian airport currently supports fully automated landings, and pilots remain in full control during takeoff and landing operations.
Aviation industry experts have also expressed concern that such statements from public figures could undermine confidence in Nigeria’s air transport system.
A senior aviation analyst, John Ojikutu, said Kalu’s comment was “careless and unhelpful,” especially at a time when the industry is working to improve global perception and safety ratings.
“If a senator of the Federal Republic says pilots smoke hemp before flying, foreigners will take it seriously,” Ojikutu said. “These remarks can affect international partnerships, insurance, and passenger confidence.”
Lawmakers from both chambers of the National Assembly are reportedly considering a motion to address the controversy and reaffirm confidence in Nigeria’s aviation oversight agencies.
The Senate Committee on Aviation is also expected to invite key stakeholders, including the NCAA and NAAPE, for a public hearing on the matter.
While Kalu has yet to respond to the growing backlash, industry groups insist that only a retraction and apology can repair the damage done to the image of Nigerian pilots.
“We cannot allow such sweeping generalizations to go unchallenged,” NAAPE stated. “Our pilots have earned global respect through professionalism and discipline.”
The controversy highlights growing sensitivity in Nigeria’s aviation sector, which has faced several runway incidents and regulatory reviews in recent months. Industry observers say the episode could lead to stronger oversight of both pilot health checks and public communications by officials.
If Kalu does not withdraw his statement, unions say they may pursue legal or legislative action to defend the reputation of their members.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his push for an opposition coalition was initially rejected by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he reflected on events following the PDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election. According to him, he warned party leaders after the election that the PDP could struggle politically without forming alliances with other opposition forces. “To be honest, I was one of the major initiators of this coalition. After the PDP lost the last election, I told the party clearly that I did not see a future for the PDP without a coalition,” he said. Atiku said his advice was rejected at the time, despite his conviction that Nigeria’s political history had shown the importance of alliances. “They disagreed with me then. I have studied Nigeria’s political transition over the years and saw how previous alliances worked, so it was not difficult for me to foresee this,” he stated. The former vice president added that his support for coalition politics was also influenced by his desire to encourage the emergence of younger leaders he believes are vital to Nigeria’s future. “I saw some of these younger politicians as the future leaders of this country, and I felt it was my duty to point that out,” he said. However, Atiku claimed the resistance he encountered within the party was driven more by personal feelings than by disagreement over the substance of his proposal. “They disagreed with me simply because they did not want to see my face, not because of what I was suggesting,” he said. Atiku added that recent political developments have now vindicated his position on the need for a broad opposition alliance ahead of future elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will first pursue a consensus arrangement before considering a primary election for its 2027 presidential ticket.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made this known during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday while discussing the party’s leadership and strategy ahead of the next general election.
He said he is open to backing a consensus candidate if that becomes the party’s collective decision, stressing that such support should not be interpreted as stepping aside.
“It is not about stepping aside, but whether I am willing to support, and yes, I will,” Atiku said.
According to him, the ADC’s first priority is to build internal unity and reach an agreement among stakeholders before considering a competitive primary process.
“Our first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t happen, then of course we will explore other options. And yes, I will support whoever eventually emerges,” he stated.
Atiku also expressed confidence in the political experience within the party, saying he believes a consensus is achievable and may make a full-scale primary contest unnecessary.
“That remains our preferred path. We will go for primaries if consensus fails, but I honestly do not expect it to get to that stage because we are dealing with mature and experienced politicians,” he added.
His comments come amid growing political consultations and coalition talks as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has significantly strengthened his chances of winning the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday. Speaking on what makes his latest presidential bid different from previous attempts, Atiku said the ADC coalition brings together key political figures from across major parties, including the APC, PDP and Labour Party. He described the alliance as a broader and more strategic political arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the coalition has created a stronger platform that improves his prospects. “Now, we have a broader coalition — a combination of APC, PDP and LP — which gives me a better chance of becoming president in 2027,” he said. Atiku also noted that the coalition reflects both experience and generational inclusion, which he said shows a clear succession plan. “You see people of my generation, and you see younger people coming behind us, so you can clearly see a succession pattern,” he added. Meanwhile, Atiku described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a decent but inexperienced leader. According to him, Jonathan’s lack of experience contributed to shortcomings in governance and played a role in his defeat in the 2015 presidential election. “I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but he was also inexperienced, and that contributed to his failure in managing the affairs of the country,” Atiku said. He made the remarks while stressing the need for experienced and capable leadership in Nigeria.
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