Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has ordered aviation agencies to investigate the incident involving Air Peace and former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport domestic terminal on Wednesday.
There was a drama on Wednesday morning at the Zulu terminal of the domestic airport when Oshiomhole, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was accused of blocking entrance to the terminal after missing his flight.
The Air Peace accused Oshiomhole of preventing other passengers from boarding when he was told that his flight slated for 6:30 had departed.
But Oshiomhole had denied the allegation, accusing Air Peace instead of extorting passengers by selling tickets to the highest bidders while preventing those who already bought ticket from flying.
Daily Trust had earlier reported that the Minister had intervened in the matter with a view to resolving the issue at the highest level.
However on Friday morning, Keyamo said he had directed the relevant aviation authorities to look into the matter, gather all available evidence towards resolving the issues.
Daily Trust reports that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are the relevant bodies to look into the matter.
The Minister in a post on his verified X handle on Friday also urged all agencies and the parties to stop further exchange of words and exercise restraint.
Keyamo wrote: “In the wake of the incident at the Lagos Airport last Wednesday involving AIRPEACE Airline and His Excellency, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, I have been in direct contact with both parties since that morning.
“I also directed the aviation agencies to exercise restraint in jumping to conclusions in line with the time-honoured legal principle of ‘hear all sides’ before reaching judgment.
“Whilst appealing to both sides to halt the public accusations and counter-accusations, I am further directing the relevant aviation agencies to thoroughly look into the issue, collect all available evidence and revert to my office so we can deal with the issue in such a way as to guide future conducts in similar situations.”
