…Commends FAAN for Timely Rebuttal
The Enugu Good Governance Group has condemned what it labels a deliberate attempt to undermine the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, describing it as unfounded and a manifestation of unhealthy rivalry that has gone too far.
In response to a report alleging that the airport’s runway is in disrepair and at risk of closure to prevent a plane crash, the group praised the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for swiftly refuting the baseless claims.
The group’s discontent was expressed in a statement issued by its Director of Communications, Mr. Chuks Onovo, on Wednesday.
“We commend FAAN for countering the false information and clarifying that the Enugu runway is in excellent condition and is among the best in the country.
“The assertion, as FAAN has rightly pointed out, is entirely untrue. We have determined that the publication in question is the product of unhealthy competition among rivals in a federal context, who are intent on discrediting the Enugu airport to enhance their own interests.
“This is an unfortunate and irresponsible claim, especially considering that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport’s runway is one of the most modern and high-quality in the nation. This status follows the Federal Government’s approval and release of N10 billion in October 2019 for comprehensive rehabilitation of the runway, taxiway, lead-in taxiway, state-of-the-art instrument landing system, communication VSAT, Very High Frequency (VHF) radio communication, and airfield lighting, among other upgrades.
“Presently, there are plans to construct a second runway, and collaboration between the Enugu State Government and the Federal Government is progressing to complete and operationalize the international terminal, as well as to build a cargo terminal at the airport.
“It is perplexing why certain individuals would conspire to discredit the airport and deter passengers and airlines for their own selfish gains,” the statement asserted.
The group also called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the false claims and hold the responsible parties accountable.
“Airports are both national security and economic assets. This falsehood, as well as the willful demarketing of the Enugu Airport, qualifies as both security and economic sabotage, warranting a thorough investigation by the NSA to identify and bring justice to the wrongdoers,” the Enugu Good Governance Group concluded.
Recall that FAAN had on Tuesday refuted the report, stating there are no plans to shut down the airport either before Christmas or in the foreseeable future.
This assurance was given by the Manager of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and Regional Manager of FAAN for the South East, Mr. Hillary Umunna, who affirmed that “the airport is in the best shape,” emphasizing that routine maintenance is consistently performed to uphold the runway’s quality achieved in August 2020.
