Air Peace has dismissed as false and misleading a recent media publication credited to the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Emeka, alleging that its Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, made untrue claims about payments for land designated for the airline’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport.
In a statement issued by the management on Thursday, the airline made it clear that Onyema did not at any time lie or misrepresent facts regarding the transaction.
It stressed that Air Peace’s engagement on the MRO project was strictly with the Anambra State Government, not with any community or group.
“Payment for the designated land was made directly to the Anambra State Government, which issued an official receipt for ₦100 million on August 26, 2021,” the statement said.
“A valid Certificate of Occupancy covering the same land was subsequently issued on September 14, 2021, completing the legitimate allocation process.”
The airline clarified that neither Dr. Onyema nor Air Peace had ever accused the Umueri Community of wrongdoing or made any statement suggesting a dispute over land allocation.
“The Igwe’s media release is, therefore, unprovoked, baseless, and entirely misplaced,” the management declared.
“The claim that Dr. Onyema lied is malicious, defamatory, and deliberately designed to mislead the public.”
Air Peace described the MRO facility as a visionary project aimed at creating jobs, boosting Nigeria’s aviation capacity, and establishing the country as a maintenance hub for Africa.
“Dr. Onyema’s record of transparency, integrity, and patriotism speaks for itself. His contributions to national development are open for all to see,” the statement concluded.
“Air Peace remains focused on its mission to empower Nigerians and strengthen the aviation industry, undistracted by falsehoods.”
