The recent exchange between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, and former presidential candidate Peter Obi has reignited a familiar conversation in Nigeria: should anyone be exempt from the rules because of status, influence or political standing?
In a public statement, Keyamo said an internal review, including CCTV footage from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, showed that a vehicle conveying Obi was left unattended in a designated drop-off zone for about 30 minutes before airport officials clamped its tyres in line with airport regulations. The minister further alleged that the vehicle was later released without payment of the prescribed parking fine after Obi reportedly spoke with airport officials by telephone.
Based on these claims, the minister called on Obi to publicly apologise to airport staff and voluntarily pay the ₦25,000 fine, maintaining that no individual should be above the law. He also stated that if the demands were not met within one week, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would be directed to take further action.
Peter Obi had earlier alleged that the clamping of the vehicle formed part of a pattern of political intimidation against him. At the time of writing, the differing accounts remain matters of public debate.
Beyond the political exchanges, however, the incident raises a more important question for every Nigerian: Does the law apply equally to everyone?
A society functions best when rules are respected, not only by ordinary citizens but also by those in positions of authority, political office or public influence. Traffic regulations, airport security procedures and other public safety measures exist to protect lives. Their effectiveness depends on consistent enforcement, regardless of who is involved.
Likewise, public officials and political leaders carry a higher responsibility because their conduct sets the tone for others. When leaders comply with regulations, they strengthen public confidence in institutions. When they are perceived to receive preferential treatment, it undermines trust and encourages a culture where influence is seen as more important than the law.
The same principle applies to government agencies. Enforcement must always be fair, transparent and free from political bias. Every citizen deserves equal treatment, and allegations of selective enforcement should be addressed openly and supported by credible evidence.
The lesson extends beyond politics. Whether at an airport, on the road, in a public office or within private organisations, integrity is demonstrated by obeying the rules even when no one is watching. Respect for the law should never depend on one’s name, position or connections.
For Nigeria to build stronger institutions and a more accountable society, both citizens and leaders must embrace the same standard: no one should be above the law, and no one should be below its protection.
