By Joy Omagha Idam
The Member representing Afikpo and Edda Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State at the National Assembly, Hon Iduma Igariwey, has lamented the absence of the portrait of Dr Francis Akanu Ibiam on the heroes’ wall at the protocol lounge of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
Hon Igariwey made this observation as he travelled to Abuja through the Enugu airport.
He noted that “despite the fact that the airport was named after the Sage, Dr Francis Akanu Ibiam, his picture was conspicuously missing from the framed pictures of other icons that adorned the walls of the protocol lounge.” He described the omission as an aberration.
The lawmaker said he immediately drew the attention of his colleague and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Hon Nnoli Nnaji to the error.
Hon Nnaji, who coincidentally was at the airport, was said to have called the attention of the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently mount the portrait of Sir Francis Akanu Ibiam at the protocol lounge and the departure hall of the airport as soon as possible.
“I sincerely thank the Rt. Hon Nnoli Nnaji for his prompt response to my request. I hope that the management of FAAN will act as directed” he said.
“Giving honour to those that deserve them is a virtue that speaks to fairness and justice. It is also a religious duty,” Hon Igariwey declared.
The lawmaker represents Dr Francis Akanu Ibiam’s Local Government (Afikpo North) in the House of Representatives.