BENIN CITY-THE prevailing political tension in the nation as a result of the factionalization of the Nigeria Governors Forum became messier Friday as the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), grounded the chartered helicopter which was meant to convey Governor Adams Oshiomhole to Anambra state for the burial ceremony of the wife of Senator Ben Obi,the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Mrs Collete Obi.
The drama started when the pilot, Captain James Manahash, who was already air-burn with the governor and his entourage was ordered to fly back to the Benin airport five minutes after taking off over what they described as failure to pay aerodrome and landing fee.

The pilot was threatened to fly back or the aircraft will be banned from flying. It was learnt that the governor who observed the argument between the pilot and the NAMA officials, prevailed on the pilot to come back and answer the call so as to sort out the issues raised.

But to the chagrin of the Governor and the pilot, they were delayed for over one hour thirty minutes even after the pilot paid the landing and aerodrome fees. After waiting for such hours a visibly angry Oshiomhole entered his vehicle and zoomed off. Saturday Vanguard later learnt that he headed to his village at Iyamho. He declined comment.

When newsmen met with the pilot, Captain Manahash, he expressed shocked over the incident, asserting that “I have been a pilot for 35 years out of which 7 years in Nigeria. So I was surprised when I was recalled back to the airport after we took off. The Governor prevailed on me to come back and answer them. When we got back I was told to pay landing and aerodrome fee which ordinarily we could pay later.

“Even after completion of the process of payment, we were still delayed for one hour fifteen minutes with the governor still seated in the aircraft. Ordinarily payment of such fees doesn’t take more then ten minutes. This is not the first time I have been flying the governor and we have never witnessed such a disappointment. It is really shocking” he stated.

More details soon

doncaster: Why did they not pay initially?

Nathaniel734: i dnt think the helicopter was grounded, frm what is written on this report, the pilot didnt pay the landing fee in the expected landing area, so he was asked to come back, so plz dnt misinform us plz

chidindufrank: They don't want to pay tax, yet, they wants to be flying on the air. Thunder fire anybody that calls this political feud. Salaries are paid to governors at the end of every month. They better pay the air-tax or enter Taxi ASAP

Geomac:

There is more to the payment.

Omen100: And now, this is getting out of hand and something has to be done about it. I hope none of the FG apologists will open the gutter they called mouth to tagged Oshiomhole a traitor.

Omen100:

Are you so blind that you can't read between the line were the pilot said that such payment can alsways be paid later & that he has being piloting for 37years & 7years in Nigeria airspace? what are even the problems with all you buttlickers? must president jonathan always have his way?

Geomac:

Is it not a political feud?

Omen100:

Are you so blind that you can't read between the line were the pilot said that such payment can alsways be paid later & that he has being piloting for 37years & 7years in Nigeria airspace? what are even the problems with all you buttlickers? must president jonathan always have his way?

kutchs: ‘which ordinarily we could pay later‘
Why not pay before or immediately to save yourself the pain of embarrasment? It pains me that Nigerians know what to do but will wait to be forced to do it.
You people can shout political witchhunt as long as you like but the right thing must be done. You want to fly? Pay ur bills or u‘re grounded.

doncaster: Why did they not pay initially?

Omen100:

Are you so blind that you can't read between the line were the pilot said that such payment can alsways be paid later & that he has being piloting for 37years & 7years in Nigeria airspace? what are even the problems with all you buttlickers? must president jonathan always have his way?

Geomac: Two months ago, it was Amaechi now Oshiomole. We are watching you guys.

doncaster: Why did they not pay initially?