Chief (Dr) David Sabo Kente, a prominent APC chieftain and former Taraba State governorship aspirant, has refuted media reports claiming that 27 senators were denied landing permits at Kashimbila Airport while attempting to attend Senator David Jimkuta’s empowerment program in Wukari on Monday.  

Speaking to journalists in Wukari on Wednesday, Kente clarified that the lawmakers were not denied permission to land. Instead, he explained that Kashimbila Airport had been concessioned to a private firm, and the transition process between the Federal Government and the new management was still ongoing.  

He further stated that during this transition, routine flight operations at the airport had been temporarily suspended, making it impossible to grant a landing permit at this time.  

“Although a request was made to facilitate the arrival of our distinguished senators, both Senator Jimkuta and I understood the situation. The concession process is still ongoing, and flight operations remain suspended,” Kente explained.  

He emphasized that this was not an issue specific to the visiting senators but part of the broader transition and restructuring efforts aimed at aligning the airport with international standards.  

Addressing statements attributed to Senator Jimkuta, who had empowered his constituents with goods worth over N2 billion, Kente described the claim that the senators were deliberately denied a landing permit as a mere communication gap.  

He urged the media to verify information thoroughly before publication and called for calm, assuring the public that the situation was simply a procedural matter related to the airport’s transition.  

Our correspondent reports that speculation had arisen on Monday that some guests invited to celebrate Chief David Sabo Kente’s 60th birthday and those attending Senator Jimkuta’s empowerment event were unable to land at Kashimbila Airport due to permit issues.