Nigeria Air: How Ex-Minister of Aviation Deceived Buhari

New information has surfaced that shows how Hadi Sirika, the previous minister of aviation, deceived President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians to launch Nigeria Air 48 hours before he left office.

According to a source who spoke to Aviation World, the minister misled Buhari into believing that he was about to open the airline when, in fact, he had not yet received the full certification.

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It was also said that the former minister had prevented Nigerian Eagle from obtaining the requisite license to fly since their name and color were close to the Nigeria Air, which was never born.

The source revealed that the Srika attempted to use the Airline Operators Certificate, AOC of Nigerian Eagle but was unsuccessful.

The source also stated that Sirika was keen on self-interest rather than National interest as it ought to be.

The development has gained nationwide attention.

However, stakeholders have called for his probe along with all agencies attached to him.

Stakeholders also argued that Sirika’s administration was lopsided owing to its appointments, also filled with tribalism, flagrant disregard for the rule of law and annexation of powers belonging to boards of aviation agencies.

For instance, Sirika said that no sane court could prevent the airline from flying despite being aware of the Nigerian air dispute. He also hired Ethiopian Airlines to deliver an airplane painted in Nigerian air color, which was later flown into the nation for unveiling without the required authorization from the NCAA.

The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation called an emergency meeting to discuss the project and summoned the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, as well as the airline’s Managing Director, Capt. Dapo Olumide, and shareholders.

Following the meeting, the legislative body declared the initiative illegitimate and vowed to thoroughly investigate all aspects of it.

Meanwhile, stakeholders have continued to express their dismay over the secrecy surrounding the project.