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FG suspends Arik Air operations, airline mgt kicks

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FG suspends Arik Air operations, airline mgt kicks

The federal government has issued an immediate directive to suspend all Arik Air aircraft operations, as announced by Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, on Tuesday.

The minister did not specify the reasons behind this decision.

Roy Ilegbodu, CEO of Arik Air (in receivership), expressed his dismay over the sudden order, highlighting that it was made without any prior warning or consultation. He emphasized that this directive would have significant repercussions on the airline, its passengers, employees, and the broader Nigerian economy.

“The management of Arik Air (In Receivership) is dismayed by the sudden order issued by the honourable minister of aviation to ground our aircraft,” Ilegbodu stated. “This decision, made without warning or consultation, has serious repercussions for our valued passengers, dedicated employees, and the broader Nigerian economy.”

He pointed out that the grounding of Arik’s fleet would disrupt critical domestic routes, leaving passengers stranded and increasing travel costs. Ilegbodu stressed that Arik Air has always prioritized connecting people and facilitating commerce.

In February 2017, the federal government took over Arik Air via the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) due to the airline’s substantial debt, estimated at over N300 billion. Following the takeover, the government dissolved Arik’s management team and appointed a receiver manager.

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Ilegbodu also commented that the minister’s decision undermines ongoing judicial processes. He referred to a judgment made on February 26, 2016, in favor of Atlas Petroleum International Limited and Engineer Arthur Eze, and mentioned an ongoing case in the federal high court where AMCON is asserting its secured interest in Arik’s assets. Despite a writ of attachment issued on July 18, 2024, the High Court of the FCT instructed all parties to maintain the status quo on July 25, 2024.

“We therefore are perplexed as to the grounding of our fleet, which is an overreach of the ongoing judicial processes and directives of the court,” Ilegbodu added. “We believe this action undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent, prioritizing unsecured private interests over the public good and the rights of secured creditors.”

Arik Air’s management has expressed commitment to following the legal process and confidence in the judiciary to resolve the issues fairly. They have urged the authorities to reconsider the decision, lift the grounding order, and allow the airline to continue serving the public and supporting the economy.

“We stand with our passengers and employees during this challenging time and are working tirelessly to resolve this situation. Your support and understanding are greatly appreciated,” Ilegbodu said, also expressing regret for any inconvenience caused to passengers.

FG suspends Arik Air operations, airline mgt kicks

(TheCable)

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Just in: Tinubu swears in Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas

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Just in: Tinubu swears in Rivers Sole Administrator Ibok-ete Ibas 

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Vice Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (Retd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

The administrator was sworn in on Wednesday after a short meeting with the President.

Tinubu announced the appointment of the retired naval chief at a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, when he declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly members.

The President said his decision was based on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, saying he could not continue to watch the political situation in Rivers escalate without taking concrete action.

The suspension of Fubara and other elected representatives has been rejected and condemned by many eminent Nigerians, legal luminaries, groups such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Femi Falana, the Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigerian Bar Association.

However, the emergency rule has been praised by the pro-Nyesom Wike Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule, accusing Fubara of contravening the Supreme Court ruling on the political situation in the state.

Ibas was the Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021.

He is from Cross River State where he had his early education.

The new sole administrator went to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979 from where he proceeded to have a successful career in the Navy, rising through the ranks to the very top.

He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and the Nigerian Institute of Management.

President Muhammadu Buhari who appointed him as Chief of Naval Staff conferred him with the National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2022.

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Breaking: Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers State

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Breaking: Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers State

 

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following the protracted political crisis in the state.

Tinubu made the declaration during a nationwide broadcast, saying it is for six months.

He announced the suspension of the Executive Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and all the members of the House of Assembly for six months.

He immediately named an administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Retd), to take charge of the affairs of the state for the six-month period.

Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution interprets a state of emergency as a situation of national danger or disaster in which a government suspends normal constitutional procedures to regain control.

A state of emergency allows the President to immediately make any desired regulations to secure public order and safety. (Channels TV)

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BREAKING: Tinubu addresses Nigerians on Rivers political crisis

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BREAKING: Tinubu addresses Nigerians on Rivers political crisis

 

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night will hold a nationwide broadcast to address the crisis in Rivers state.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said the broadcast will be transmitted by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

The broadcast is expected to be held by 7pm today.

 

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