By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network, CHRAN, in Akwa Ibom has called for the probe of former President Muhammadu Buhari, over his role in the fraudulent launch of Nigeria Air.
A statement from CHRAN endorsed by it’s Director Mr Franklin Isong and Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mr Vincent Aluu made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday regretted that the launch which took place on the last day of the Buhari’s government, was not only fraudulent and criminal, but an attempt at defrauding Nigerians.
“CHRAN notes that on May 26, 2023, Nigerians woke up to the news of the launch of a new national carrier, bearing the insignia of Nigeria Air with an Ethiopian Air registration number.
“CHRAN observes that 24 hours after the purported launch, the airline was seen among the Ethiopian Air fleet.
“According to the confession of the acting Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Captain Dapo Olumide; aviation industry stakeholders and the revelation of the Aviation Committee, House of Representatives, CHRAN is shocked that the launched airline was hired from Ethiopian Air for public display and that the exercise allegedly gulped over 140 billion naira without any tangible outcome.
“After a careful review of the process, CHRAN notes that the exercise was fraudulent, intentionally designed to divert public funds, highly opaque, shrouded in secrecy, shoddy and capable of ridiculing and tarnishing the image of Nigeria before the international community if not properly investigated.
The organisation called on anti-graft agencies, “to immediately invite former President Buhari for questioning, for him to explain to Nigerians his role in the entire sham, and how over 140 billion naira was allegedly spent on a fraudulent project under his supervision.
“CHRAN also calls for immediate arrest and investigation of the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika and all those involved in this scam in order for them to face the full wrath of the law, if found wanting.”
