Air Peace Airlines Limited has reacted to the reports indicating the arrest of the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero and explained why there is an attempt to link the indigenous carrier to the labour leader’s arrest.
The airline said that NLC eroded its operations at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri on May 3, 2023, when it was protesting against the government of Imo state, after assurances from the aviation unions that airline operation to Owerri airport was not going to be disrupted, the protesters disrupted the airline’s flight service.
This prompted Air Peace to report the incident to the police, which did not act over the case until over a year; after it had mended fences with NLC and has been enjoying good relationship with the umbrella body of many labour unions.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Omotade Makinwa, the airline said, “Air Peace Airline expresses deep concern over recent media reports regarding the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in connection to a petition filed by the airline in September 2023. This development, which has led to negative publicity, does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC.
“It is important to clarify the events leading up to the petition. On the 3rd of May, 2023, the NLC disrupted Air Peace operations as part of a broader conflict with the Imo State government. Although Air Peace had no involvement in the dispute between the NLC and the Imo State government, our airline was unfortunately used as a tool to exert pressure on the government. This unlawful disruption of our services caused significant financial losses and impacted the travel plans of many Nigerians across multiple states.
“In response to this disruption, Air Peace’s legal team submitted a formal petition against the NLC to the Nigerian Police. Despite our repeated efforts to follow up on the petition, the Police failed to take prompt action.
“However, over a year later, the Nigerian Police have chosen to act on the original petition, which has now led to the alleged arrest of the NLC president. Prior to this arrest, the airline and the NLC had already reached an amicable resolution, and Air Peace had withdrawn its petition, allowing a positive working relationship to resume between the two organizations.”
