By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has condemned what he called a “targeted campaign” to damage the airline’s reputation.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, Onyema said, “Air Peace has done a lot for our fatherland and we will continue to do it because we see it as a calling, not to make money.”
His comments come amid a public spat between the airline and former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, over a check-in issue in Lagos.
Though Onyema didn’t name Oshiomhole directly, he said the airline deserves support and respect from Nigerians.
“We demand to be applauded. We demand to be appreciated by our country.
“Nigerians should jettison this pull-him-down syndrome. Both government agencies and citizens must stop trying to destroy their own,” he said.
Onyema warned that destroying local businesses harms the country “If you destroy any indigenous business that provides massive job opportunities, you don’t know where the next suicide bomber, armed robber, or kidnapper will come from.”
He also announced a big win for the airline, noting that Air Peace has secured flight slots at London’s Heathrow Airport and will begin Abuja-to-London flights from October 26.
“Our daily flights to London are going well. Come October 26, we start Abuja-London. The British authorities have granted Air Peace Heathrow.
“That is a testament to their belief in what we are doing,” Onyema said.
He thanked the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo and President Bola Tinubu for supporting the airline’s international growth.