Air Peace has dismissed reports alleging that its Chairman, Dr Allen Onyema, made false statements regarding the payment for land allocated to the airline for its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Anambra State.
In a statement issued by the management on Thursday, the airline described the comments attributed to the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Emeka, as “incorrect and misleading,” stating that all transactions related to the MRO site were conducted directly with the Anambra State Government.
According to the statement, Air Peace paid ₦100 million to the state government for the designated land on 26 August 2021, and the payment was officially receipted. A Certificate of Occupancy was subsequently issued on 14 September 2021.
“Payment for the designated land was made directly to the Anambra State Government, and an official receipt confirming the payment of ₦100 million was issued on August 26, 2021,” the company said. “A Certificate of Occupancy for the same parcel of land was subsequently issued on September 14, 2021, completing the legitimate allocation process.”
The airline also clarified that neither Dr Onyema nor Air Peace had made any claims suggesting that the Umueri community was in dispute with the company or had received payment for the project land.
“At no time was any statement issued suggesting that the community refused land allocation, received money, or was in dispute with Air Peace over the MRO project,” the statement read.
Air Peace described the monarch’s remarks as “unprovoked and misplaced,” adding that Dr Onyema’s record of service and transparency was being misrepresented.
“Dr Allen Onyema does not lie about anything. His record of transparent service to Nigeria and unwavering commitment to development speaks for itself,” the statement said.
The airline reaffirmed its commitment to the completion of the MRO project, which it described as an initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry and creating employment opportunities.
“Air Peace will continue to focus on driving positive change, empowering Nigerians, and promoting excellence in aviation, while disregarding distractions from its mission,” the statement added.
