by Stanley Azuakola

Nigeria’s minister of aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, has gone on the offensive against Arik Airlines in a story that continues to astound watchers of the aviation sector in Nigeria.

On Thursday, Arik Airline had claimed that its current challenges with the authorities and the hostility of the Ministry of Aviation towards it was as a result of its refusal to acquiesce to the demands of the aviation minister who wanted a 5 percent equity stake holding in the airline.

(Read: Grounding Dana Airline was a mistake – Stella Oduah)

The minister however has released a strong statement denying the accusations by Arik, calling it “absurd, malicious and ultimately laughable”.

The statement, which was signed by the special adviser (media) to the minister, Joe Obi,  emphasised that the accusation was “groundless falsehood without any foundation whatsoever.”

The minister argued that there was no way she could have contemplated acquiring a stake in any airline, “let alone Arik Air that is groaning from a crippling N85.4 billion debt overhang”.

Lashing at Arik, the statement said:

“The time is ripe for Arik Air to change its business module that ‘thrives’ on unprecedented accumulation of debts and liabilities.

“The futile attempt to impugn the integrity of the aviation minister by inferring a conflict of interest against her is at best diversionary.

“It should be obvious to the management of Arik Air that blackmail is not a panacea for a floundering enterprise.”

The minister further said she will not allow the matter rest, as she has directed her lawyers to seek legal redress over the allegation.