BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Air Peace has expressed concern over recent media reports surrounding the arrest of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero on Monday by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), reportedly linked to a petition filed by the airline in September 2023.
The airline, in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Omotade Makinwa, emphasised that the arrest and its subsequent publicity do not represent its current and positive relationship with the NLC.
Makinwa added that the petition, which dates back to May 3, 2023, was the result of a disruption to Air Peace operations by the NLC during a broader protest against the Imo State government.
“Although Air Peace had no involvement in the dispute, its services were disrupted, causing significant financial losses and inconveniencing passengers across multiple states.
“Following the disruption, Air Peace’s legal team lodged a formal complaint with the Nigerian Police.
“Despite multiple attempts to expedite the case, there was no immediate response from the authorities.
“Over a year later, the Nigerian Police acted on the petition, leading to the reported arrest of the NLC president”, the statement noted.
Air Peace further clarified that prior to this development, both parties had resolved their differences amicably, adding that the airline had withdrawn its petition, allowing them to move forward with a renewed, positive working relationship.
Ajaero’s arrest sparked outrage within the labour unions who were already mobilising for a complete showdown with the government.
The NLC also gave the federal government up till midnight of September 9 to release Ajaero.
The NLC was quizzed and later released by the DSS.
