A private airline, Executive Jet Services, has been suspended from operating in the country for lying to bring the notorious musician, Naira Marley, to Abuja from Lagos for a drive-in concert that turned rowdy and breached Covid-19 rules.
A terse statement by the Director of Public Affairs in the Ministry of Aviation, Mr. James Odaudu, announcing the suspension order explained the government position, which on Sunday led to the sealing of the popular Jabi Lake Mall for two weeks by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Said the statement: “For conveying popular musician Naira Marley to Abuja for a musical concert Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has ordered the suspension of private airline, Executive Jet Services, from operating in the country with immediate effect.
“According to the Minister, the return flight that conveyed the musician to and from Abuja was originally approved by the Ministry of Aviation to convey Justice Adefope Okojie, an approval that was fraudulently used by the airline charter company.
“He said the conduct of the Executive JJet Services was a gross violation of the Presidential Task Force regulations and protocols which allowed only flights on essential services.
“The Minister announced the suspension order of the local airline during Monday’s briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja.
“Sirika reiterated that as much as government would encourage the operation and growth of all operators in the aviation industry, it would not condone actions that undermine government policies and constitute risks to public interests.”