VANGUARD
Fresh facts have emerged, revealing how the former minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, deceived President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians to unveil the new national carrier, Nigeria Air, 48 hours before his exit from office.
A source told Aviation World that the minister deceived Buhari that he was to launch the airline, without informing him that he has not gotten the complete certification.
It was also gathered that the former minister had stopped Nigerian Eagle from getting necessary certification to fly because their colour and name were similar to the stillborn Nigeria Air.
The source disclosed that the Srika made an attempt to use the Airline Operators Certificate, AOC of Nigerian Eagle but failed.
The source also stated that Sirika was keen on self-interest rather than National interest as it ought to be.
The development has gained nationwide attention.
However, stakeholders have called for his probe along with all agencies attached to him.
Stakeholders also argued that Sirika’s administration was lopsided owing to its appointments, also filled with tribalism, flagrant disregard for the rule of law and annexation of powers belonging to boards of aviation agencies.
For instance, Sirika despite being aware of the Nigeria air litigation, stated that no rational court can stop the airline from flying. He further contracted Ethiopian Airlines to provide an aircraft painted in Nigeria air colour which was later flown into the country for unveiling without the necessary certification from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.
However, the development created a major uproar, as the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation summoned the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, along with the Managing Director of the airline, Capt. Dapo Olumide and shareholders to an emergency meeting over the project.
The legislative body after the meeting tagged the project fraudulent, insisting they will ensure they unravel the nitty-gritty surrounding the project.
