Following the threat by the Minister of Aviation Mr Babatunde Omotoba last week to shut down the Benin domestic airport on account that it is constituting noise pollution to residents of the area and Benin Monarch, the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole has warned the minister against carrying out the threat.

Oshiomole who gave the warning a day after the minister issued out the threat, advised the Federal Government not to celebrate its incompetence through closing the airport but should rather embark on fixing the airport.

The Governor further advised the minister to avoid actions that will pose a danger to the social-economic lives of the people and passengers from the South-South geo-political zone, stating that Benin airport represents a strategic asset to the state.

Sources in the say, state that lawmakers from the state are spoiling for war with the minister should the Benin airport be shut for flight operations.

Speaking to newsmen on the issue, a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Samson Osagie said such action if carried out would not only be detrimental to the people of the state but would have a negative socio-economic effects on the state.

Last three weeks, the Minister raised alarm over the deplorable state of the Benin Airport run-way and said, there are cracks on the run-way.

Also last week, the Minister threatened the to shut the airport due to the noise which he said was disturbing the Benin traditional ruler.

The minister, Omotaba who visited the monarch in his palace received a complaints from the traditional ruler that the noise from the aircraft taking off and arriving is disturbing and causing discomfort to him and his household.

Apart from the verbal complaints, the Oba had also tabled the issue to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) led by its chairman, Alhaji Abubaka Buwaji. He also noted that he had written several letters on that effect but regretted that non has been treated.