News

Sowore, others escapes death as Air Peace aircraft malfunctions, windshield shattered Upon landing at Abuja airport

Published

3 months ago

September 24, 2024

A potentially hazardous incident occurred earlier on Monday involving an Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft operated by Air Peace Airlines.

As the plane descended into Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the windshield shattered.

Fortunately, despite the alarming nature of this event, the flight, which had departed from Akure in Ondo State at 8:30 am, landed at 9:40 am without further incident.

Notably, among the passengers on board was human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore, who was travelling to Abuja to attend a scheduled court trial.

Although the flight crew opted not to disclose the incident to the passengers, sources close to the matter revealed that it sparked significant concern within the aviation industry, given the rarity of such occurrences.

It was learnt that following the incident, Air Peace cancelled its Abuja to Lagos flight and also its planned Akure to Lagos flight.

“Although the crew did not inform the passengers, it created serious panic in the industry because this is very rare. But they’re covering it up,” the source said.

However, efforts to reach the Managing Director/Chief Executive Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Bunmi Onabanjo Kuku, for comments failed as she did not answer her calls.

She also did not reply to a text message sent to her.

Mrs. Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo, FAAN General Manager, Public Affairs and Protocol and Passages, said she was not authorised to offer any comment.

Efforts to reach the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) also failed as its Director, Public Affairs, Wunmi Oladeji, did not answer her calls or reply to a text message sent to her.

However, a staff member of Air Peace, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told SaharaReporters that it was only a crack that was detected, and it was promptly repaired.

“It was a crack that was noticed, and, of course, as soon as it was detected, we immediately called for repairs. That’s why we brought in another aircraft to operate that flight.

“It wasn’t a cause for panic. This information was even communicated at the airport.

“I can tell you for free that it was a crack. The same aircraft has operated several flights today after the repair. Our team came in from Lagos with a replacement windshield, and the aircraft has been flying since. I believe it’s still in operation now.”

The Air Peace source insisted that the issue had been rectified and confirmed that the incident occurred early on Monday.

The source said, “It has been rectified. This happened early in the morning. Our crew flights usually start in the morning, so I’m surprised this has become an issue.”

When asked about the panic caused by the incident, he said, “Sorry, I think this is an overreaction by some passengers. We informed them that the flight would be delayed due to operational reasons, which were stated clearly. However, you know how people react when given such information.

“The aircraft had a crack, and I can confirm that it was replaced immediately. Our team flew in from Lagos with an extra windshield, and the repair was done quickly. That same aircraft has flown three flights today.”

“Yes, there might have been a delay in service, but the flight did operate. We replaced the affected aircraft, and it’s now operating other services,” the source added.

News

Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.

This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.

News

Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.

This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.

During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”

The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.

Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:

Federal Medical Centre, Bida
Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
Federal College of Education, Yola
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Cross River Basin Development Authority
Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
National Examination Council (NECO)
Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
Presidential Amnesty Programme
Galaxy Backbone
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals

Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.

The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.

News

Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for the revitalization and strengthening of the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.

Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam, stated this at the joint sitting of Public Accounts Committees of Senate and House and inauguration of an Adhoc Committee for the reconvening of NAPAC at the National Assembly on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Public Accounts Committees at both federal and state levels.

Formed in 2014, NAPAC comprises 38 chapters nationwide, including the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate, House of Representatives, and all 36 State Houses of Assembly, Rep. Salam noted that the Association has been dormant in recent years, necessitating urgent action to restore its relevance.

He stated, “This Association is a pivotal platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, in recent times, the Association’s activities have been dormant, necessitating the need for a quick revitalization.

“It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the vital responsibility of reconvening the meeting of NAPAC.”

Salam outlined committee’s objectives, including reviving NAPAC’s activities, adopting innovative strategies to combat corruption, and collaborating with anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the media.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships with continental and regional associations such as AFROPAC, WAPAC, and SADCOPAC for capacity building and knowledge sharing.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with collective effort, unwavering commitment, and an unshakeable faith in our nation’s potential, I am confident that we shall succeed,” he added.

In an interaction with journalists, thr Committee chairman, stressed plans to engage with the Auditor General of the Federation and Accountant General of the Federation to address delays in submitting reports on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Of course, Nigerians should expect that we’re going to have more productivity, especially in consideration of the report of the Auditor General,” he said.

He noted that only the 2021 Auditor General’s report is currently before the National Assembly, a situation he described as inconsistent with constitutional provisions. Salam expressed the committee’s determination to ensure Nigeria catches up with the 2022 and 2023 reports by next year.

He added, “We’ll also be able to bring more of these agencies of government in line to ensure that all monies appropriated by the National Assembly are spent judiciously, efficiently, and in a lawful manner.”