Sirika has come under fire when Nigeria Air’s MD stated that planes were hired.

Some Nigerians on social media have called for the arrest and prosecution of the country’s former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, after the Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Dayo Olumide, revealed that the plane that landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on May 26, 2023, was chartered from Ethiopia Airlines.

Olumide revealed this when answering senators’ queries on Monday, saying that it was launched in 2018 and that his role was to get the airline’s operating certificate.

“It is a pleasure to be here and finally make our position known, where I can clarify all misconceptions regarding Nigeria Air as it pertains to technical aspects,” he added.

According to the PUNCH, Sirika confirmed at a Federal Executive Council meeting that the national carrier will begin operations before Buhari’s administration ends on May 29, 2023, despite a Federal High Court in Lagos order prohibiting Nuhu Musa, director-general of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, from issuing an air operator’s certificate to the proposed airline.

He further stated that the council authorised a 3.5 billion deal for photometric and taxiway lighting for the airports of Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

“In the world of civil aviation, something very significant has occurred; part of our road map, the Aviation Leasing Company, has been established and approved by the council.”

Contrary to the minister’s claim that the Federal Government will hold 5% of the equity, while a consortium of three Nigerian investors (MRS, SAHCO, and the Nigerian Sovereign Fund) will hold 46%, Olumide countered that the aircraft that sparked the debate did not require a licence or other processes because it was hired.

Meanwhile, netizens have urged for the minister’s arrest and prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“Nigeria Air” has been deemed a hoax, according to a tweeter named Rinu Oduala, after main partners in the contract between the Federal Government and Ethiopian Airlines denied knowledge of the launch. According to NAMA, the jet was chartered and repainted in Nigerian colours. The plane has since returned to its original location.”

Irunnia, another Twitter user, stated, “In a sane country, people like Hadi Sirika should be locked up, but the EFCC will never do that.” They’d rather arrest everyone they see holding an iPhone, even if it’s a secondhand iPhone 6 from the UK. This guy defrauded an entire country and is still roaming around freely.”

Brother Barth believes that President Tinubu is a suspect if Hadi Sirika is not arrested within the next 48 hours for #NigeriaAir fraud and worldwide embarrassment.

“Senator Sirika pushed for this twice, and after the second effort, a major dent has been inflicted on the adventure with the “fraud label.” “Lessons for him and everyone involved,” commented Agboworin.

“Even the government admitted that what they did was fraudulent.” Their reasoning: a chartered jet to Nigeria may be painted any colour and with any inscription. Nigeria does not exist, Wallahi.”

Source: PUNCH