Withdraw Drug Abuse Remark on Pilots – Lawmaker Tells Kalu!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has urged Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to withdraw his controversial statement alleging that some Nigerian pilots use Indian hemp.

What We Know:

• Kalu made the comment during a Senate session while debating aviation safety concerns.
• Agbese condemned the remark as reckless and damaging to the reputation of trained professionals in the aviation industry.
• He insisted that such statements, without evidence, could incite public fear and undermine national confidence in air travel.

Quote:

“Such a sensitive sector should not be subjected to unsubstantiated claims. Senator Kalu should retract his statement,” — Hon. Philip Agbese.

Why It Matters:

• The aviation sector is highly regulated, and drug testing is mandatory for pilots.
• The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) may be compelled to issue a clarification or launch investigations if public concern rises.
• The incident highlights the responsibility of public officials to avoid alarmist rhetoric.

Citations:

1. House of Reps Media Briefing – Oct. 2025
2. Senate Hansard Record
3. NCAA Regulatory Framework – www.ncaa.gov.ng

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