Lagos, Nigeria – Air Peace has strongly denied any involvement in the arrest of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Service (DSS) on Tuesday, stating that the dispute that led to the petition had been resolved amicably.
In a statement released by its spokesperson, Omotade Makinwa, the airline expressed deep concern over the negative publicity surrounding the arrest, clarifying that it does not reflect the current positive relationship between Air Peace and the NLC.
According to Makinwa, the petition filed by Air Peace in September 2023 was a result of the NLC’s disruption of its operations in Owerri on May 3, 2023, which was part of a broader conflict with the Imo State government. Despite having no involvement in the dispute, Air Peace was used as a tool to exert pressure on the government, resulting in significant financial losses and disruptions to travel plans across multiple states.
However, Makinwa emphasized that the airline had withdrawn its petition and reached an amicable resolution with the NLC prior to Ajaero’s arrest. The Nigerian Police’s decision to act on the original petition over a year later has led to the arrest, which Air Peace believes is unjustified.
Makinwa stated, “We express deep concern over recent media reports regarding the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in connection to a petition filed by the airline in September 2023. This development, which has led to negative publicity, does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC.”
The airline’s spokesperson further explained that the Police’s failure to take prompt action on the petition had led to the unexpected arrest, emphasizing that Air Peace had no involvement in the matter.
The development has raised questions about the timing and motivation behind the arrest, with many calling for clarification on the circumstances surrounding the event. As the situation unfolds, Air Peace has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a positive working relationship with the NLC and upholding the principles of fair labor practices.
