I Deserve No Recommendation for A National Award, Air Peace Boss Tells Reps

  • Says he is not doing it for publicity sake.
  • 319 Nigerians expected back in the country tonight.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Peace airline, Allen Onyema said that he never expected to receive a recommendation for a national award for airlifting Nigerians stranded in South Africa for free.

Onyema stated this during a visit to the hallowed chamber of the National Assembly after being invited to the green chambers and recommended for a national award by the House of Representatives for being on rescue mission for Nigerians who have faced xenophobic attacks from South Africans.

While thanking the lawmakers in his remarks, the Air Peace boss said that his actions were spontaneous and he would do anything to evacuate even a single Nigerian.

READ: Xenophobia: Air Peace Evacuates Another 319 Nigerians from South Africa

“I did not do it spontaneously, nor did I do it for publicity, I had to mortgage my landing right in South Africa because I just got the landing right before the crisis.

“I did not give a damn, I never did, because I know that I will not go to heaven with any dime. I have never been so honoured in my life. You have brought tears to my eyes. I would not have been able to do this if the federal government did not allow me or assemble those people for me to evacuate,” he said.

It could be recalled that Wednesday last week, the Air Peace airline evacuated no fewer than 187 Nigerians who indicate interest to return home as a result of the xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa.

Another set of 319 people are expected to return to the country tonight after the trip earlier suffered a setback as a result of landing permit.

READ: Xenophobia: FG Warns Nigerian To Avoid Travelling to Volatile Areas in South Africa

Speaking further, Onyema who insisted that it was not the first time he was making a contribution to the nation’s development and highlighted his role in restoring peace to the Niger Delta in the heat of militancy in the region.

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