Air rage: Oshiomhole, Air Peace fight dirty

Oshiomhole

Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, says he has lodged a complaint with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, against Air Peace, accusing the carrier of racketeering and unethical treatment of passengers.

Oshiomhole, who currently serves as senator representing the northern part of Edo, disclosed this to our correspondent on Wednesday after a scene played out at the Lagos airport where he missed his flight.

He allegedly arrived late at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (Zulu Hall), which made him miss his Air Peace scheduled flight.

He described the situation as a chaotic scenario, saying, “I think the only reason I am called now is because I am the only easily known face there, but honestly, the situation was more or less riotous in the morning around 6:00 am when I got to the airport. I will send you the message I sent the minister on this issue.”

The airline had earlier, through a statement, expressed strong condemnation of what it called a violent and disruptive behavior exhibited by the prominent Nigerian politician.

According to the airline, the incident occurred at approximately 6:10 am when the politician arrived late for a flight, scheduled to depart Lagos for Abuja at 6:30 am.

“In adherence to strict aviation protocols and the airline’s on-time departure policy, boarding for the flight had already closed, and the aircraft departed as scheduled,” the airline stated.

Upon being informed of the missed flight, Air Peace said the politician reacted violently, “physically assaulting airline personnel and proceeding to seal off the terminal’s main entrance. He then forcibly manned the access gate, blocking other passengers from entering the terminal and causing a major disruption to normal airport operations.”

Air Peace added that the unruly conduct, which was carried out before staff and passengers, caused the airline operational delays and widespread inconvenience.