The federal government has directed the immediate suspension of Arik Air aircraft operations.
Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace
development, gave the directive on Tuesday.
The minister did not state the reason for the decision.
Reacting to the development in a statement, Roy Ilegbodu,
chief executive officer (CEO) of Arik Air (in receivership), said the
minister’s directive came without warning or consultation.
He also said the decision would have a ripple effect on the
firm and the country’s 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 said.
“This decision, made without warning or consultation, has
serious repercussions for our valued passengers, dedicated employees, and the
broader Nigerian economy.
“Our priority has
always been to connect people and facilitate commerce, especially on critical
domestic routes.
“The grounding of our fleet disrupts these vital services,
leaving passengers stranded and inflating already high travel costs.
“This decision hurts everyday Nigerians who rely on our
flights for business, family, and essential activities.”
In February 2017, Arik Air was taken over by the federal
government via the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) due to the
company’s huge debt profile, estimated at over N300 billion.
The government, following the takeover, immediately
dissolved the airline’s management team and appointed a receiver manager.
‘DECISION UNDERMINES
COURT’S DIRECTIVES’
Further commenting on the latest development, Ilegbodu said
the minister’s decision to ground the airline also “disregards ongoing judicial
processes”.
“On February 26, 2016, a judgment was made in favor of Atlas
Petroleum International Limited and Engineer Arthur Eze,” he added.
“However, there is an
ongoing case in the federal high court, where Asset Management Corporation of
Nigeria (AMCON) is asserting its secured interest in Arik’s assets.
“Despite this, a writ of attachment was issued on July 18,
2024, targeting our Aircraft, after which, further to an originating motion
filed by AMCON, the High Court of the FCT on July 25, 2024, clearly instructed
all parties to maintain status quo.
“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.
“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.”
Ilegbodu also said the airline is committed to following the
legal process and has full faith in the judiciary to resolve the issues fairly.
“Arik has always been a proud partner in Nigeria’s growth,
providing reliable and safe air travel,” he said.
“We urge the
authorities to reconsider this decision, lift the grounding order, and allow us
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.”
The airline’s management also expressed regrets over “any
inconvenience caused to our esteemed passengers”.
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