Chief Chidiebere J. Okoh, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State and a close ally of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has strongly criticized Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, over what he described as “unguarded and disrespectful comments” directed at the former governor.

Chief Okoh, speaking in Umuahia on Friday, expressed disappointment at Minister Keyamo’s remarks, stating that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s track record in both politics and the aviation sector speaks for itself. “It is disappointing and unacceptable for a federal minister like Festus Keyamo to address Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in such an uncouth and disrespectful manner. Senator Kalu is not only a former governor and a ranking lawmaker, but also a pioneer in the Nigerian aviation industry, having dealt directly with pilots and industry professionals while Keyamo was still a charge-and-bail lawyer in Lagos,” Okoh said.

He further asserted that Minister Keyamo lacks the experience and standing to question Senator Kalu’s statements, which are based on years of firsthand involvement in the aviation sector. “To suggest that Senator Kalu is seeking media attention is an insult to his distinguished career and a gross misjudgment of his public stature. Senator Kalu is a gold fish with no hiding place—his achievements and reputation are well known both nationally and internationally,” he added.

Chief Okoh emphasized that, given his current office, Minister Keyamo should conduct himself with greater maturity and decorum. “One would have expected that, as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo would show more restraint and respect when addressing leaders of Senator Kalu’s calibre. His recent conduct falls short of the expectations for someone in his position,” Okoh stated.

He called on Minister Keyamo to retract his statements and urged him to show greater respect in his public engagements, especially when addressing accomplished leaders who have contributed immensely to the nation’s progress.