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Tinubu govt pushes Nigeria’s aviation challenges to 2024

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, are set to address longstanding aviation challenges in Nigeria in the upcoming year. The aviation sector grapples with various issues such as infrastructure deficiencies, political interference, safety concerns, financial instability, regulatory hurdles, security threats, high operational costs, flight delays, cancellations, and elevated fares.

Air travelers in Nigeria faced numerous unpleasant experiences in 2024, including arbitrary airfares, mishandling of luggage, inadequate airport waiting lounges, discourteous airline staff, non-implementation of passengers’ bill of rights, and corrupt practices, as highlighted by Captain Ado Sanusi, CEO of Aero Contractor. An ineffective regulatory framework was identified as a significant setback for the industry in 2023, while differing opinions pointed to high-interest rates and operational costs as contributing factors.

Data from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority revealed that the country’s aviation sector, in its 65-year history, comprises 20 airports, 23 domestic airlines, 554 licensed pilots, 913 licensed engineers, and 1700 cabin personnel. Despite having Bilateral Air Services Agreements with over 90 countries and being a destination for 22 foreign carriers, Nigeria has yet to fully realize the economic benefits.

The Nigeria Air controversy marked a significant event in 2023, with the project’s suspension following revelations that the unveiled airline was chartered from Ethiopia Airline, which held a 49% stake in the project. The aftermath of air crashes and incidents in 2023 raised concerns about the safety of Nigeria’s airspace, particularly as the sector scored 70% in the International Civil Aviation Organisation safety audit, sparking debate among stakeholders.

The federal government’s decision to dismiss and replace heads of aviation agencies, coupled with the trapping of international airlines’ funds estimated at $783 million, added to the challenges faced by the industry. Efforts to clear the trapped funds, including quarterly reconciliatory meetings with foreign airlines, have yet to yield complete success, prompting concerns about the potential withdrawal of some foreign carriers.

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Industry experts, including Captain John Ojikutu and Dr. Alex Nwuba, expressed their views on the challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation industry. Ojikutu emphasized the need for addressing political interference, low audit grading, manpower issues, inadequate oversight, and irregular maintenance. Nwuba acknowledged the turbulence in 2023 but expressed optimism with new leadership emerging in 2024, highlighting efforts to improve the sector’s structure and cooperation between the Minister and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

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Why I may not hesitate to support Peter Obi in 2027 – Atiku Abubakar

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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has suggested he might support Peter Obi, his Labour Party counterpart from the last election, in 2027.

The former Vice President, currently in merger talks with stakeholders from various opposition political parties, indicated he would back Obi if the Labour Party nominates him for the next election.

According to The Sun, Atiku made this statement during an interview with BBC Hausa Service.

It was recently reported by DAILY POST that Obi and Atiku had a closed-door meeting, sparking rumors about a potential merger of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku confirmed the efforts of opposition parties to align in order to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election, saying, “We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that.”

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Atiku added that if the new party decides it’s the turn of the South-East and chooses Peter Obi, he would not hesitate to support him.

“I have said repeatedly, and even before the 2023 general elections, that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it.

“But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was open to all members of the party,” Atiku explained.

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I once struggled with pornography – Bishop Oyedepo’s son, Isaac

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Isaac Oyedepo, son of Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church, has admitted to having struggled with pornography at one point in his life.

Isaac revealed that he became involved with pornography during a trip to a European country.

Speaking on the podcast “Confession Box,” Isaac shared that he overcame this challenge with God’s help.

He explained: “My confessions are positive and meant to help others. I struggled with pornography before.

“I remember how it began; we traveled to a country, and I was alone in my room. I turned on the TV, and that’s how it started.

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“But God helped me overcome it quickly. Many people still struggle with it, and I think if someone who had previously struggled with it had approached me and showed me how to break free, I would have overcome it sooner.

“Some topics are often avoided, but today, many pastors and church members still struggle with this issue.

“You might be anointed and performing signs and wonders, but that doesn’t mean you are living right.

“There’s an old saying that if it works, it means you’re standing right, but I found out that’s not always true. There were times I realized I wasn’t right, but grace and mercy found me.

“For the sake of someone genuine in the congregation, God can bypass you to reach that person; this is my confession.”

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Alleged Corruption: Rights lawyer petitions Minister, seeks suspension of NSCDC CG, Audi

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Former Special Prosecutor for the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Properties, Tosin Ojaomo, has petitioned the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, regarding an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into corruption allegations against Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Ojaomo recommended Audi’s immediate suspension to ensure public safety and protect the integrity of the investigation from possible interference.

The petition, dated May 15 and made available to DAILY POST, was addressed to Tunji-Ojo and copied to President Bola Tinubu, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, and EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede.

Ojaomo highlighted that the EFCC has been investigating the NSCDC for alleged financial mismanagement, making significant progress. He also mentioned a pending allegation against Audi regarding unexplained property acquisition filed with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CBB).

Ojaomo’s request is based on Section 8 of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, 2003 (as amended), and Section 11 of the Interpretation Act, 2004, which allow the minister to recommend the appointment and removal of the NSCDC Commandant General.

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The petition stated, “We are compelled to make this request as the investigation of the agency cannot be thoroughly and discreetly conducted if the current Commandant General of the NSCDC is allowed to continue in office while the investigation continues because most of the financial activities of the agency which form the subject matter of the investigation are conducted under the current CG’s watch.”

He further emphasized that the suspension would safeguard the investigation process and prevent possible interference. Ojaomo cited allegations linking Audi to a company, Keltes Security and Consultancy Limited, which allegedly received contracts from Tantita Security Limited, a company under the NSCDC’s supervision.

He concluded, “In view of these facts, it will be in the interest of public safety and to protect the integrity of the office to suspend Dr. Abubakar Audi, the current Commandant General of NSCDC, so that the EFCC can conduct a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter.”

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