The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has strongly criticized the conduct of former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, during a recent altercation at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, Vanguard reports.
The association described his actions as unacceptable and symptomatic of a troubling rise in unruly behavior among air passengers across the country.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos during an event hosted by United Nigeria Airlines, where the airline announced its integration into the SIBAS Global Distribution System (GDS), AON spokesperson Professor Obiora Okonkwo expressed deep concern over the incident. He noted that two days after the altercation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had yet to provide a clear account of what transpired, a delay he found disheartening.
Okonkwo emphasized that while passengers have rights, those rights must be exercised within the framework established by international aviation standards. He asserted that no level of dissatisfaction justifies disruptive or aggressive behavior at airports.
“There is no amount of disappointment that gives the right to self-help. We have been talking about unruly behaviour; what you saw was a typical case of unruly behaviour. It is not acceptable….” he said
According to Okonkwo, the incident involving Senator Oshiomhole exemplifies a growing pattern of unacceptable passenger conduct, which threatens the operational integrity of the aviation sector.
He highlighted Air Peace’s significance in the domestic aviation market, noting that the airline transports nearly half of all local air travelers. Given its vital role and the investment behind its operations, he argued that such companies deserve support and respect not public vilification.
Okonkwo dismissed the former governor’s claims as lacking merit, stating that no airline would deliberately inconvenience its customers and that operators often go to great lengths to accommodate passengers.
In response to the controversy, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that an official investigation is underway. He revealed through his X (formerly Twitter) account that he has been in communication with both parties involved since the incident occurred.
Keyamo urged both sides to refrain from making public accusations while the matter is being investigated. He stressed the importance of fairness and due process, instructing aviation authorities to gather all necessary evidence and report back to his office.
The minister assured that the issue would be handled with the seriousness it deserves, with the goal of setting a precedent for managing similar disputes in the future.
Love Reading Authentic News Stories, Click The Button Below
