The umbrella body of airline owners in the country, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on Thursday lambasted the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika for his insistence on launching the controversial Nigeria Air before he exit office despite the many legal issues surrounding the project.
Sirika action has drawn wide criticism from across different sectors in the country following his revelation that the new airline plane is expected in the country on Friday, May 26th with AON saying the action could create problems for the incoming government of Senator Bola Tinubu.
The operators in an electronic statement said “We have noted with dismay the comments by the outgoing Minister of Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika, to the effect that he will commence operations of Nigeria Air before Monday, May 29, 2023. He equally stated that an aircraft in Nigeria Air colour is on its way to Nigeria in less than 24 hours.”
“All of these statements and actions are in flagrant disobedience of the orders of the Federal High Court of Nigeria which halted the said moves by the minister to float the said airline until the determination of the substantive suit brought by AON against it.”
AON affirmed that” We make bold to respond because of the myriad of inquiries from concerned and patriotic Nigerians and industry stakeholders who have either called or sent messages over the Minister’s comments.”
The document signed its Spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo added that “For the avoidance of doubt, AON welcomes the establishment of more airlines in Nigeria for we believe that the skies are big enough to accommodate all.
However, AON is against any contraption that is shadowy and not in the best overall interest of the country.”
“We need the outgoing Minister to come forward, defend and counter the very damning submissions in our suit.
Again, it is very disturbing that a Minister is desperately hoodwinking the entire nation into accepting a massively flawed process just 72 hours to the end of his 7-year tenure in office as Minister of Aviation, even as the courts have halted him.”
It said “Stakeholders are worried that his actions may create problems for the incoming government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.”
