by Stanley Azuakola

The disagreement between the Ministry of Aviation and the management of Arik Airlines has been resolved and every misunderstanding settled. The conclusion is that the Federal Government has cleared the management of the airline to resume full flight operations.

Interestingly, the national issue was settled like a family matter, and all accusations by both parties were vitiated. That means all is well and good, and Nigerians will never know if there was any truth to the Arik Air’s accusations that the Aviation Ministry was troubling the airline because of its refusal to grant 5 percent equity to the minister, Stella Oduah-Ogiemwonyi.

This was the outcome of the two-hour meeting held on Saturday and chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim. The meeting was attended by the two chairmen of the Aviation Committees of the National Assembly, minister of aviation, Stella Oduah, Arthur Eze, and the management of Arik Air at the office of the SGF.

Speaking after the meeting, Anyim declared that “All issues in contention were discussed and resolved and that road map for the smooth working together of both parties were also agreed upon”.

He also used the opportunity to apologise to all travellers affected by the misunderstanding. Arik Air was grounded for three days and this caused hardship to air travellers across the country.

He said:

“We use this opportunity to appeal to both parties to eschew every provocation that may have arisen as a result of this unfortunate misunderstanding. Accordingly, all the exchange of accusations and allegations are vitiated and so of no consequence.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Aviation and the management of Arik Air, we apologise to all travellers for the inconveniences this unfortunate misunderstanding may have caused them.

“We are pleased to announce that Arik Air can now resume operations.”

Arik Air on its part announced that it would resume flight operations today after suspending services for three days.