Air Peace Fights To Protect Image, Says Chairman Will Be Cleared

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s Premier Airline, Air Peace, has moved to douse the tension and concern which arose from the indictment of its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, on alleged fraud charges and money laundering, by a United States Court.

The charges were brought against Onyema, and the Airline’s Chief of Finance/Administration, Mrs. Ejiro Eghagha, by the US Department of Justice.

But the Airline, realising the implication of the indictment on its image, has pleaded for patience, and urged the public not to jump to conclusions. It said that this too shall pass away.

In a statement, it released on Sunday, the Airline harped on its commitment to transparency and integrity, even as it noted that it is comprehensively reviewing the allegations against its Chairman and Mrs Eghagha.

The airline noted that the case is in court and will follow due process as required by law.

The Statement reads in part: “We understand that this may have raised concerns, and we wish to address these report directly.

“These charges levelled against our post-holders are part of an extended legal process stemming from earlier accusations of financial misdeeds that date back several years.”

The  statement acknowledged that the charges have been expanded but emphasised that they were still allegations, and still in court.

It said: “Our legal team is fully engaged with the matter and is working tirelessly to ensure that justice prevails.

“We remain confident that, through due process, the truth will be revealed and our CEO and co-defendant will be exonerated.”

The statement pointed out that its Chairman and his legal team had always cooperated with authorities throughout the process.

This situation, it said, has not affected its operations as an Airline. The Airline has operated without any disruption.

“We want to re-assure the public that these legal proceedings will not impact the safety, reliability or day-to-day operations of Air Peace,” it  assured.

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest Airline has the one of the largest fleets in Africa.