Air Peace has debunked allegations that its Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, made false claims about payments for land allocated for the airline’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Anambra State.
The airline, in a statement signed by its management, described the claims credited to the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Emeka, as “unprovoked, baseless, and entirely misplaced,” stressing that Onyema had not made any false representation about the transaction.
According to the statement, Air Peace’s dealings regarding the MRO project were solely with the Anambra State Government not with any individual or community. The airline stated that it paid ₦100 million directly to the government for the land and received an official receipt dated August 26, 2021, confirming the transaction.
For clarity, the airline said, “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.”
It further added that a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the same parcel of land was issued on September 14, 2021, completing the legitimate process of allocation and ownership.
Air Peace maintained that the publication suggesting Onyema lied was “false, malicious, defamatory, and entirely without merit,” describing it as an attempt to mislead the public and damage the airline’s reputation.
“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,” the statement read.
The airline also reiterated that it had never accused the Umueri community of any wrongdoing, insisting that its engagement had always been with the state government.
“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,” the statement emphasised.
Air Peace said the MRO project remained a patriotic initiative aimed at creating jobs, strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry, and positioning the country as a maintenance hub in Africa.
“Dr. Onyema’s vision for the Air Peace MRO remains rooted in patriotism and progress, a project conceived to create jobs, strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry, and position the country as a hub for aircraft maintenance in Africa,” the statement added.
The airline urged the public to disregard attempts to distract from its developmental efforts, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and national progress.
“Air Peace will continue to focus on driving positive change, empowering Nigerians, and promoting excellence in all areas of operation while disregarding attempts to distract from its mission with unfounded claims,” the statement concluded.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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