In a dramatic turn of events, the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, have engaged in a heated clash over allegations of bribery regarding the proposed national carrier, Nigeria Air. The exchange took place during an interview with Sirika on Arise Television.
During the interview, Sirika made a startling accusation, claiming that Nnaji had demanded a five percent stake in Nigeria Air. According to Sirika, he had firmly rejected the demand, reminding Nnaji that the project had undergone a bidding process and that the shares had already been allocated to the successful bidders. Sirika suggested that if Nnaji wanted a stake in the project, he should approach those who won the bid or wait for the federal government’s shares to be released to the market.
However, Nnaji swiftly dismissed Sirika’s allegations as lies, describing the former minister as a “drowning man” who would grasp at anything to survive the barrage of criticism he had faced since the unveiling ceremony of Nigeria Air. Nnaji emphasized that Sirika should focus on addressing the concerns surrounding the project rather than resorting to baseless accusations.
The controversy surrounding Nigeria Air further deepened when the Managing Director of the project, Dayo Olumide, revealed during a hearing with lawmakers that the aircraft that had recently landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja was actually chartered from Ethiopia Airlines. This revelation added fuel to the criticism surrounding the national carrier, with stakeholders questioning the transparency and viability of the project.
Sirika also took the opportunity during the interview to clarify the expenses incurred on Nigeria Air, stating that less than N3 billion had been spent thus far.
As the clash between Sirika and Nnaji continues to escalate, Nigerians are left seeking answers regarding the controversial Nigeria Air project. The House Committee on Aviation has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
The nation eagerly awaits the outcome of this conflict, hoping for clarity on the Nigeria Air project and an end to the allegations and counter-allegations between the former aviation minister and the committee chairperson.
