Air Peace Distances Self From NLC President, Ajaero’s Arrest

Air Peace Denies Role in Ajaero’s Arrest

Air Peace has clarified its stance regarding the recent arrest of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero.

In a statement, the airline distanced itself from any involvement in the arrest, despite media reports suggesting otherwise.

On Monday, Ajaero was taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while on his way to the United Kingdom for official business.

Media Reports Mislead the Public

Air Peace expressed concern over misleading media reports linking Ajaero’s arrest to a petition filed by the airline. According to Omotade Makinwa, the airline’s spokesperson, these reports have caused “unnecessary negative publicity” for the company.

In Makinwa’s words: “Air Peace Airline expresses deep concern over recent media reports regarding the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress in connection to a petition filed by the airline in September 2023. This development, which has led to negative publicity, does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC.”

READ ALSO: DSS Grants Bail To NLC President, Ajaero Amid Rising Tension Over Arrest

The airline took the opportunity to clarify the events leading to the petition. In May 2023, the NLC disrupted Air Peace’s operations as part of a protest against the Imo State Government, with which the airline was not directly involved. Makinwa explained, “Although Air Peace had no involvement in the dispute between the NLC and the Imo State Government, our airline was unfortunately used as a tool to exert pressure on the government.”

The disruption, which severely affected Air Peace operations, led to a formal complaint being lodged with the Nigerian Police. The petition focused on the financial and operational impact of the disruptions, which affected passengers across several states.

Air Peace’s Petition Withdrawn Before Ajaero’s Arrest

Makinwa further stressed that while the petition was indeed filed in response to the disruption of Air Peace’s operations, it had been withdrawn long before Ajaero’s arrest.

“The airline and the NLC had already reached an amicable resolution, and Air Peace had withdrawn its petition,” she said. The company had been working to rebuild its relationship with the NLC after the disruption, and Makinwa noted that both parties were on positive terms.

Despite Air Peace’s efforts to clarify the matter, Makinwa emphasised that the decision by the police to act on the petition over a year later was entirely out of the airline’s hands.

She added that Air Peace was unaware that the police would use the old petition as grounds for the NLC president’s arrest, as the matter had already been settled.

The Disruption That Led to the Petition

According to Air Peace, the disruption occurred on May 3, 2023, when NLC workers targeted the airline as part of a broader protest against the Imo State Government.

This protest, which was unrelated to any conflict between Air Peace and the NLC, caused significant operational disruptions for the airline.

Flights were grounded, and passengers across the country faced delays and cancellations, which Air Peace said caused “significant financial losses.”

In response, Air Peace’s legal team filed a formal petition with the Nigerian Police, seeking redress for the damage caused by the NLC’s actions. However, the petition remained inactive for over a year, until the recent arrest of Joe Ajaero.

“We want to make it clear that the arrest of Mr. Ajaero has nothing to do with Air Peace,” she added, urging the public to avoid drawing conclusions based on the initial media reports.

Focus Now on Rebuilding Relationships

Air Peace reiterated its commitment to providing excellent service and maintaining positive relationships with all stakeholders, including the NLC.

The company concluded that while it regretted the events leading up to the petition, the issue had long since been resolved, and it had no part in the subsequent actions taken by the authorities.

“Air Peace remains dedicated to serving the Nigerian public and ensuring the safe and timely transportation of passengers. We hope that this clarification sets the record straight,” Makinwa said.