Air Peace has come out swinging to defend its Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, against what it calls “baseless and entirely misplaced” allegations from the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Emeka. The airline is adamant that the N100 million purportedly paid for land for their new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility was directed straight to the Anambra State Government, not to any community. This whole saga is about transparency and proving Onyema’s integrity. Here’s a quick rundown of the key points:
- Air Peace vehemently denies any false claims made by Dr. Allen Onyema regarding the MRO land payment.
- The airline confirms a payment of ₦100 million was made directly to the Anambra State Government.
- An official receipt dated August 26, 2021, and a Certificate of Occupancy dated September 14, 2021, validate the transaction.
- The airline accuses the Umueri monarch’s claims of being “false, malicious, defamatory, and entirely without merit.”
- Air Peace reiterates its commitment to transparency and national development through its MRO project.
Air Peace Sets the Record Straight on MRO Land Deal
The drama unfolded after claims surfaced suggesting that Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, had misrepresented facts concerning the payment for land designated for the airline’s ambitious Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility. But Air Peace, in a strongly worded statement, has put these rumours to bed, asserting that Onyema’s integrity remains untarnished.
The airline management minced no words, describing the allegations from the Umueri monarch as “unprovoked, baseless, and entirely misplaced.” They are clear: Onyema has not uttered a single false word about this deal. All dealings concerning the MRO project were conducted exclusively with the Anambra State Government. No funny business with individuals or communities, period.
Proof is in the Pudding: Official Receipts and C of O
To back up their claims, Air Peace provided solid evidence. They stated unequivocally:
“Payment for the designated land was made directly to the Anambra State Government, and an official receipt for the sum of ₦100m paid by Air Peace for the land was issued on 26/08/2021 to confirm this transaction.”
And that’s not all! To seal the deal and confirm legitimate ownership, a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the very same piece of land was issued on September 14, 2021. This essentially wraps up the legal process of land allocation and ownership. It’s all there in black and white, proving the transaction was legitimate.
Onyema’s Integrity: Beyond Reproach
The airline didn’t hold back in defending their leader’s character. The statement thundered:
“It must be clearly stated that Dr. Allen Onyema does not lie about anything. His personal and professional integrity is evident in his transparent record of service to Nigeria and his unwavering commitment to national development.”
This isn’t just corporate speak; it’s a bold declaration of trust in Onyema’s long-standing reputation. Air Peace sees any suggestion of deceit as nothing short of “false, malicious, defamatory, and entirely without merit” – a deliberate ploy to tarnish the airline’s good name.
No Beef with the Community, Just State Transactions
Air Peace made it abundantly clear that they have never pointed fingers at the Umueri community. Their interactions have always been, and continue to be, with the state government. The airline stressed:
“At no time was any statement issued suggesting that the community refused land allocation, received money, or was in dispute with Air Peace over the MRO project.”
This helps to clear up any confusion and shows that the airline is focused on its project, not on unnecessary community squabbles. What is this MRO project all about?
The Patriotism Behind the MRO Project
Beyond the current controversy, Air Peace emphasized that the MRO project is a patriotic venture. It’s designed to create a significant number of jobs, bolster Nigeria’s aviation sector, and establish the country as a leading aircraft maintenance hub across Africa. Dr. Onyema’s vision is all about progress and putting Nigeria on the map in aviation technology.
The airline is urging everyone to ignore these distractions and focus on the positive impact the MRO project will have. They are committed to transparency, empowering Nigerians, and achieving excellence. This whole issue seems to be a small bump on the road to a much bigger, patriotic goal.
What is an MRO Facility?
For those who might not be in the know, an MRO facility stands for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul. These are specialized aviation facilities where aircraft undergo routine checks, repairs for wear and tear, and major overhauls to ensure they are safe and airworthy. Establishing such a facility in Nigeria is a huge step towards self-sufficiency in the aviation industry, reducing the need for airlines to send their planes abroad for expensive maintenance. It also means valuable technical jobs for Nigerians right here at home. Think of it as a giant, high-tech garage for planes, but with way more regulations and highly skilled engineers!
The Bigger Picture for Nigerian Aviation
This MRO project by Air Peace isn’t just about one airline; it’s a potential game-changer for Nigeria’s entire aviation sector. Having a world-class MRO facility locally can:
- Reduce operational costs for Nigerian airlines by cutting down on expensive international maintenance flights.
- Create high-skilled jobs for Nigerian engineers, technicians, and support staff.
- Attract foreign airlines seeking maintenance services, boosting Nigeria’s economy.
- Enhance safety standards through regular and accessible maintenance checks.
- Position Nigeria as a regional aviation hub, competing with established centers in other African countries.
It’s a significant investment that speaks volumes about Dr. Onyema’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s infrastructure and economy. Even with these minor hitches, the airline remains focused on its mission to drive positive change and promote excellence.