…says some elements in the system determined to frustrate Air Peace despite the airline’s role in advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has raised alarm over what he described as coordinated efforts by certain government agencies and lawmakers to bring him and his airline down.
Speaking during an interview on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television, Onyema alleged that “some elements within the system” were determined to frustrate Air Peace despite the airline’s role in advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector and creating jobs.
“It is very evident that there are some government agencies that do not see beyond their noses,” Onyema said. “It happens even in the legislature too, because there are people who are out there wanting to fight some battle. They are making a huge mistake because you cannot scratch anybody.”
The Air Peace boss cautioned that any attempt to destroy a major indigenous investment like his would have far-reaching social consequences, including increased unemployment and crime.
“If you actually succeed in scratching, when everything falls, you may be the victim of the next suicide bomber, armed robber or kidnapper because when people lose their jobs, criminalities increase,” he warned.
Onyema, who described his motivation as service to the Nigerian people, said he had nothing personal to gain or lose in the ongoing campaign against him.
“People get fixated on bringing me down. My motivation is the people, I don’t need any more houses or cars,” he added.
He urged public officials to align with President Bola Tinubu’s body language, which he said clearly supports indigenous enterprises and job creation rather than witch-hunts.
“I keep calling on government appointees to look at the body language of the president and follow that instead of fighting me and Air Peace,” he advised.
Onyema, whose airline has been at the forefront of major national interventions, including evacuation flights during crises, maintained that Air Peace represents a beacon of Nigerian resilience and innovation in the global aviation industry.
