Amanze Chinonye
Air Peace has dismissed claims that its chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, made false statements about payment for the land designated for its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 9, the airline described as “baseless and misplaced” the recent comments credited to the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Emeka, suggesting that Onyema lied about the land payment.
The airline clarified that at no point did Dr. Onyema or Air Peace accuse the Umueri community of wrongdoing or claim that the community refused land allocation or received money for the project. “The Igwe’s media release is unprovoked, baseless, and entirely misplaced,” the statement read.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to Air Peace, the company’s dealings regarding the MRO project were conducted solely with the Anambra State Government, not with any individual, group, or community. The statement further disclosed that a payment of ₦100 million was made directly to the Anambra State Government for the land and that an official receipt, dated August 26, 2021, confirms the transaction.
In addition, a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) covering the same parcel of land was issued on September 14, 2021, completing the legitimate process of allocation and ownership.
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Air Peace reaffirmed that Dr. Onyema’s integrity remains unquestionable, citing his “transparent record of service to Nigeria and unwavering commitment to national development.”
The company described the circulating claims as “false, malicious, defamatory, and entirely without merit,” arguing that they were deliberately aimed at misleading the public and damaging Onyema’s reputation.
“The statement being circulated that he lied is deliberately calculated to mislead, defame, and malign him,” Air Peace said.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency and nation-building, the airline said the MRO project remains a patriotic investment aimed at creating jobs, strengthening Nigeria’s aviation sector, and positioning the country as a hub for aircraft maintenance in Africa.
“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.
Earlier in the week, Igwe Bennett Emeka of Umueri issued a public statement denying that his community ever received ₦100 million or allocated land to Dr. Onyema for the MRO project.
In the release titled “Umueri Community Sets the Record Straight”, the monarch stated that Air Peace’s land allocation and payment were handled by the Anambra State Government, not by the community. He clarified that the community did not demand or collect any funds from the airline.
“It is not true that Chief Onyema paid the Umueri community ₦100 million. We never allocated any land to him. The Anambra State Government did. We, therefore, cannot have demanded or received any payment from him,” Igwe Emeka was quoted as saying.
He further explained that the state government initially acquired the airport lands in four parcels (A, B, C, and D), and that Parcel D was later released to the Umueri community, while the MRO project falls within Parcel A, which remains under state ownership.
The monarch maintained that the project site was properly allocated by the government under the administration of former Governor Willie Obiano, and not through any community arrangement. He said the palace was ready to provide documentary evidence to clarify any confusion surrounding the issue and urged the public to disregard “false and misleading narratives.”
The Air Peace MRO project, first announced in 2021, was conceived as part of the airline’s expansion plan to reduce reliance on foreign facilities for aircraft maintenance. The project was endorsed by the then Anambra State Government as a major economic driver, capable of creating hundreds of jobs and transforming the new Umueri airport into an aviation hub.
Air Peace maintains that its MRO facility, once completed, will serve not only the airline but also other local and regional carriers, saving millions of dollars in foreign exchange and strengthening Nigeria’s standing in Africa’s aviation sector.
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