The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has recently made a strong
plea for the arrest and investigation
of Hadi Sirika, the former Aviation
Minister, in connection with the Nigerian Air scandal. In a detailed statement
issued by the Chairman of the Forum, Ali Mohammed, the organization expressed
deep concern and dissatisfaction with the revelations surrounding the
controversial Nigeria Air project.
The statement referenced Captain Dapo Olumide, the interim
Managing Director of Nigeria Air, who appeared before the Senate Committee on
Aviation. Olumide disclosed that the aircraft used for the unveiling of Nigeria
Air had been rented from Ethiopian Airlines. This disclosure raised serious
questions about the transparency and credibility of the project. Mohammed criticized
the rushed unveiling of Nigeria Air, noting the lack of details provided and
the absence of any verifiable features of the plane.
Furthermore, Captain Olumide revealed that Nigeria Air had not
yet obtained the necessary operating license for full flight operations,
contradicting earlier statements made by Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of
Aviation. The CNF chairman pointed out that this contradiction demonstrated
Sirika’s persistence in proceeding with the project despite legal obstacles and
court orders against it. Mohammed accused Sirika of spearheading a project that
was incomplete, driven by dishonesty, corruption, and personal financial gain
amounting to billions of naira.
The CNF emphasized that such deception and breach of trust
should not go unpunished and called for Hadi Sirika to be held accountable
before the law. They condemned Sirika’s disregard for the rule of law and the
justice system, asserting that it was unacceptable for a minister to defy a
court order. The chairman also criticized Sirika’s alleged impunity and
dictatorial tendencies, noting his refusal to heed advice from aviation experts
and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) who had advised against the Nigeria
Air project.
Describing the Nigeria Air project as a national embarrassment
and a wasteful misuse of resources, the CNF claimed that the situation could
have been avoided if Sirika had listened to advice and recognized the project’s
lack of substance. The organization called upon the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies to swiftly arrest and
investigate Hadi Sirika, accusing him of deceiving Nigerians for eight years
and now seeking a ministerial appointment.
The CNF cautioned President Tinubu not to consider Sirika for
any ministerial position or appointment within his administration. Instead,
they demanded that Sirika be placed behind bars for his alleged offenses. The
organization urged the EFCC to act promptly, not only arresting Hadi Sirika but
also bringing his accomplices to justice for their role in deceiving the nation
and tarnishing its reputation on the international stage.
The CNF concluded by emphasizing the urgency of a thorough
investigation into the Nigeria Air project. They insisted that Sirika and his
co-perpetrators be held accountable, providing satisfactory explanations or
facing the consequences of their actions. The organization called for justice
to prevail and for the perpetrators to experience the same discomfort they
caused the Nigerian people.
