Governor Willie Obiano yesterday commissioned the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport, Umueri, for commercial use.
However, the aviation regulatory authority, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), refused to approve the take off of two commercial flights that were billed to land at the airport from Lagos and Abuja respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Obiano thanked President Buhari for approving the Airport, as well as Sidika for the oversight activities he did and also Nuhu of NCAA.
He said, “This airport has been certified and has met all needs for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, the flights that were fully booked for today, both from Abuja and Lagos could not come because the regulatory authorities said the commercial airlines that will operate here will need to have counters here before operations will start.
“The airlines that will operate in this airport include: Air Peace, Ibom Air, Dana Air, United Nigeria Air and Anab Jets. They will have to set up their counter before flights will commence.
“The dreams we have nurtured for 30 years has come true today. We fought many battles to be here today, including COVID lockdowns. I have been assured by aviation experts that this is going to be the most viable airport in the Nigeria.
“NCAA has before now approved the landing of seven planes here. We need a man whose vision is greatly acclaimed to take over the state and be able to steer the ship, and that man is Soludo. Our state is on the runway and we need a competent hand to pilot it, and with Soludo in the cockpit, our state is in safe hands,” Obiano said.
Former APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, in his speech, alluded to some sabotage in the landing of the already booked commercial flights.
Umeh said: “Tickets had also been sold out since three days ago. If they are people who thinks they will lost election if planes land here today, then they should know that whether plane lands or not, they have already lost the election. It shall be well with Anambra, let no one toy with our destiny. The best thing we can do for ourselves is for Soludo to succeed Obiano.”
Umeh added that: “We’re happy you (Obiano) never lowered the standard of APGA. You started well and have continued from where Obi stopped. You have served very well and the people are seeing what you are doing. Today’s commissioning of the airport is yet another of your dreams and you have brought it to fruition”.
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