Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has refuted reports alleging that its Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, made false claims regarding the payment of N100 million for the acquisition of land meant for the company’s proposed Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Anambra State.
In a detailed statement issued by the airline’s management, Air Peace described as “baseless, malicious, and misleading” the publication credited to the Traditional Ruler of Umueri Community, Igwe Emeka, which insinuated that Dr. Onyema had not paid for the land.
The airline clarified that its transactions relating to the MRO project were conducted exclusively with the Anambra State Government and not with any community or traditional authority.
It stressed that at no time did Air Peace or Dr. Onyema accuse the Umueri community of wrongdoing, nor was there any dispute between the airline and the people of Umueri regarding the land in question.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Air Peace’s dealings on the MRO project were solely with the then Anambra State Government,” the statement read. “Payment for the designated land was made directly to the government, and an official receipt confirming the sum of N100 million paid by Air Peace for the land was issued on 26 August 2021. A Certificate of Occupancy was subsequently issued on 14 September 2021, completing the legitimate process of allocation and ownership.”
Air Peace further explained that the documents evidencing payment and ownership are publicly verifiable, countering any insinuation that the airline or its Chairman fabricated information regarding the transaction.
Describing the report circulated by the Umueri monarch as “unprovoked and entirely unnecessary,” Air Peace noted that it was disappointing that such a false narrative could be propagated despite clear records of the transaction being in the public domain.
“It must be emphasised that Dr. Allen Onyema does not lie about anything,” the statement continued. “His personal and professional integrity are unquestionable, and his long-standing record of transparency, patriotism, and service to Nigeria speaks for itself. The statement being circulated is a deliberate attempt to defame and malign his reputation, and it is entirely without merit.”
Air Peace reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the establishment of its MRO facility in Anambra State, a project it said was conceived out of Dr. Onyema’s desire to contribute to Nigeria’s aviation growth, reduce capital flight, and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.
“The Air Peace MRO project remains a strategic national investment aimed at transforming Nigeria into a leading aviation maintenance hub in Africa,” the airline stated. “We remain undeterred by distractions and will continue to focus on projects that strengthen our nation’s aviation industry.”
The management concluded by urging the public to disregard misleading publications designed to discredit Dr. Onyema and the airline’s laudable initiatives.
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