Fakoyejo Olalekan
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has begun investigation into possible air safety violations by the private jet that conveys the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, for campaigns.
Reports emerged this week that the private jet was grounded for undisclosed reasons, according to the Head of media, Obi-Datti Campaign Organisation, Diran Onifade.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelOnifade had stated that not allowing their jet to take off almost disrupted their campaign in Ibadan, “The Obi-dient plane was grounded today by the powers that be “for regulatory reasons” only. Please ignore any mischievous rumour. Our massive rally in Ibadan is going on as planned.
“All we know is what the leasing vendor told us to the effect that federal authorities won’t allow the Obi-dient Aircraft to file a flight plan because of ongoing regulatory investigations. We are not privy to the specific details or nature of the investigations.
“Mischievous political operatives had cheaply seized the opportunity to spread the unfounded rumours of an air crash which was promptly dispelled. The Ibadan rally was however a huge success with the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, making a stop at Iseyin Town before joining a multitude of organic supporters at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.”
New development on Peter Obi’s private jet
According to a report, the plane was grounded for violation of safety procedures. It was disclosed that the pilots of the jet had been informed not to take off as it planned to fly to Ibadan, Oyo State, from Benin.
Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) had instructed the jet due to the closure of the airport in Benin, but the pilots snubbed the directive of ATC.
READ ALSO: ‘Obi-dient’ Plane Grounded By ‘Power That Be’ – Amb. Obaze
Failure to adhere to the instruction from Air Traffic Controllers could lead to sanctions from the aviation authority. A source was quoted ashaving said, “The aircraft in question departed Benin Airport after it was closed.
“The pilot specifically ignored the instructions of the Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) for the aircraft not to depart at that particular point in time because the airport was closed.
“As a regulatory agency, the NCAA cannot condone this kind of behaviour. We are going to investigate the matter. Everyone must obey instructions.
“This is a very sensitive industry that deals with human lives. Even Mr. President’s pilots obey instructions. Why should anyone act above the law? The aircraft remains grounded. We are investigating the violation.”
