FAAN Explains Why Patience Jonathan Was Denied Access To Aircraft

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said that the convoy of former first Lady, Patience Jonathan, was denied access to the foot of the aircraft during boarding, in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety regulations.

The explanation came in a statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr Yakubu Dati, and made available to journalists on Tuesday, in Lagos.

According to the Daily Independent the explanation is coming on the heels of allegations that the aviation agency denied the former first lady access to the VIP Lounge at the Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA).
FAAN stated that as far as it was concerned nothing of such happened.

According to Dati, “The former First Lady’s convoy was only denied access to the foot of the aircraft during boarding formalities at the airport, in line with international aviation best practices, strictly for safety and reasons as prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
“Our security officials explained this fact to details of the former First Lady.”

FAAN, he stated, holds the former First Lady in high esteem, being the wife of the former President, adding that the agency could not have done anything that would suggest disrespect for her person.

He pointed out that the former President Goodluck Jonathan in his recent trips from the same airport had to walk to the aircraft from the protocol lounge, in recognition of ICAO regulation.