Flight operations resumed at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Friday morning, November 10, 2023.
This was 24 hours after the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, in conjunction with their Aviation Union affiliates, disrupted flights to/ from Owerri. The flights were grounded both at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos. No flights also took off from Owerri.
However, at least four private jets landed at Imo Airport yesterday with politicians on board, including, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu and his son who came in two separate chartered jets. Others who arrived also included Senators Ifeanyi Ubah and Uche Ekwunife, and Hon. Mustapha.
Friday morning, both Air Peace and United Airlines arrived Owerri Airport from Lagos with passengers, and departed for Abuja, also, with passengers.
The Labour Unions disrupted flights to Owerri to protest the manhanding of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, Imo State, by Police Operatives a few days ago.
The near- fatal incident happened when Ajaero went to Owerri to organise a protest against the State Government by workers over alleged unresolved sundry issues, including non payment of salaries, an allegation the State Government denied strongly and insisted it is upto date in that, and had even paid October salaries as at, and when due.
The disruption of flights on Thursday, caused untold hardship to, especially, Imo State indigenes.