The Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport, Umueri, was on Friday hit with controversy when the state governor, Willie Obiano, commissioned the facility even as the aviation regulatory agency, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, refused to approve the take-off of the two maiden flights slated to land at the airport from Abuja and Lagos.
“This airport has been certified and has met all needs for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, the flights that were fully booked for today, both from Abuja and Lagos could not come because the regulatory authorities said the commercial airlines that will operate here will need to have counters here before operations will start.
“The airlines that will operate in this airport include Air Peace, Ibom Air, Dana Air, United Nigeria Air and Anab Jets. They will have to set up their counters before flights will commence.
“The dreams we have nurtured for 30 years have come true today. We fought many battles to be here today, including COVID lockdowns. I have been assured by aviation experts that this is going to be the most viable airport in Nigeria.”
“NCAA has before now approved the landing of seven planes here. We need a man whose vision is greatly acclaimed to take over the state and be able to steer the ship, and that man is Soludo. Our state is on the runway and we need a competent hand to pilot it, and with Soludo in the cockpit, our state is in safe hands,” he assured.
Also speaking at the occasion, APGA’s former national chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, hinted that NCAA’s refusal to approve the already fully booked maiden flights could have been act of sabotage.
According to him: “Tickets had also been sold out since three days ago. If they are people who think they will lose the election if planes land here today, then they should know that whether plane lands or not, they have already lost the election. It shall be well with Anambra, let no one toy with our destiny. The best thing we can do for ourselves is for Soludo to succeed Obiano.”
Umeh recalled the journey that led to the airport construction and commended Obiano for the feat, saying: “We’re happy you (Obiano) never lowered the standard of APGA. You started well and have continued from where Obi stopped. You have served very well and the people are seeing what you are doing. Today’s commissioning of the airport is yet another of your dreams and you have brought it to fruition.
“The two governors we have given you so far in APGA are the best. Soludo is coming and he is coming with his experience. I have no doubt that Soludo will win. It will be unfair for Anambra people not to vote APGA. This is the party that has never shied away from the development of Anambra.”