The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has granted the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) permission to ground some aircraft belonging to Airik Airline over a $2.5m debt owed to Atlas Petroleum International Limited.
This development follows an order by the enforcement department of the FCT High Court, regarding a debt of $2.5m owed by Arik to the oil company.
A statement by the agency on Tuesday noted that;
“On the 19th day of July, 2024, the enforcement department of the FCT High Court enforced an Order made by the Court regarding a debt of $2.5 million owed by Arik Airline to one Atlas Petroleum International Ltd. by attaching their aircrafts. Arik was further given a notice of Public Auction of the planes by the Court which was slated to hold on the 26th day of July 2024 if they fail to pay the Judgment debt. All these were served on our agency and also on our Supervising Minister, the Minister of Aviation.
“The records show that on the 8th day of March, 2016, the Judgment Debtor (ARIK) appealed the decision of the High Court of Lagos State entering judgment against it to the Court of Appeal and on 30th September, 2021, the appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeal in a unanimous decision with cost.
“ARIK again appealed to the Supreme Court for leave to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal, and on the 9th day of January, 2024, the Supreme Court, per Okoro, J.S.C., delivered its Ruling dismissing the Judgment Debtor’s application for leave to appeal.
READ ALSO:AMCON gives Arik Air owner condition to recover airline
“The Judgment Creditor registered the Judgment of the Lagos State High Court in The High Court of FCT and On the 26th day of June, 2024, Honorable Justice O. A. Adeniyi, then sitting in Court 8, Maitama, Abuja) made an order after hearing Motion No: M/9785/2024 filed on behalf of Atlas Petroleum attaching all the moveable properties belonging to the Judgment Debtor, including the Judgment Debtor’s aircraft with Registration No: B737-700/ 5N-MJF, B737-800/ 5N-MJQ, DASH8-Q400 and 5N-BKX in satisfaction of the judgment debt. Copies of the Order and Certificate of Judgment were also served on us and the Minister.
“We understand too that Arik has obtained an exparte order stopping FURTHER EXECUTION of the order, though we have not been formally served. In the circumstances, since the first execution took place by attaching the aircrafts, further execution by way of sale can be halted whilst the parties go back to court to resolve the issues. However, in order to preserve the subject matter of the present dispute which are the aircrafts in question (the res), which have already been attached, we have decided to comply with the effect of the Supreme Court order, by grounding the aircrafts (subject of dispute) so that they are not taken out of the jurisdiction of the court or tampered with in a way as to frustrate the courts.
“Furthermore, the Minister, being a member of the Inner Bar himself understands the implication of the Suto Order dismissing the motion for leave to appeal and will not riskaircraftnse as a legal practitioner or his privilege as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria by engaging in acts that will frustrate an order of the Supreme Court.
“The parties to the dispute are encouraged to resolve their issues as quickly as possible so that the Arik aircrafts in question can resume flight operations.”
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post Keyamo gives NAMA go-ahead to ground Arik Air planes over $2.5m debt appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Keyamo gives NAMA go-ahead to ground Arik Air planes over $2.5m debt
Take It Back, Others Call Off Protest In Northern Central States
Take It Back, Others Call Off Protest In Northern Central States
Three groups, Take It Back (North Central), Middle Belt Economic Forum, and Renewed Hope Prosperity Ambassadors have called off the planned protest in the Northern states, including Abuja.
The groups cited concerns about the potential for destabilization and harm to their communities as the reason for their decision.
The groups which made this known at a joint press conference on Tuesday in Abuja said the decision was made after a careful appraisal of the situation and a fruitful interaction with the Minister of Water Resources, Prof Joseph Utsev.
In his address, Dr. Amodu Ben also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume and other critical stakeholders in the North Central for their efforts in maintaining peace and order in the region.
“We have come to this decision not out of fear or intimidation, but out of a deep understanding of the current political climate and the potential consequences of our actions,” said Dr. Amodu Ben.
Ben said they also took into account the developmental programs being driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s development agenda.
The groups recognized the right to protest as an inherent and fundamental aspect of citizenship but emphasized the need for peaceful and constructive dialogue to avoid catastrophic consequences.
Ben observed instances where peaceful protests have rapidly escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in widespread destruction, loss of life, and immense human suffering.
They, however, urged citizens to redirect their energies towards constructive dialogue and engagement with the government.
“Let us join forces to build a brighter future for the Middle Belt region, one that is founded upon the principles of peace, prosperity, and cooperation,” Dr. Ben said.
“We would like to seize this opportunity to express our heartfelt commendation to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and other critical stakeholders in the North Central,” he said.
“Their tireless efforts in maintaining peace and order in the region have not gone unnoticed, and their dedication to the well-being of our nation is truly commendable.
“These exceptional individuals have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to prioritizing the interests of our nation above personal agendas, exemplifying a profound understanding of the intrinsic value of peaceful coexistence and the preciousness of human life, which is a cherished asset to families, states, and our country as a whole.
“We also extend our unreserved and heartfelt commendation to President Tinubu for his indefatigable efforts in constructing the nation of our collective aspirations. Notwithstanding the formidable challenges, he remains steadfast in his endeavors, tirelessly striving to alleviate the burdens of our citizens and enhance their overall well-being.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the President’s diligent efforts to improve the lives of citizens, and we must unite in our support and collaboration with him to achieve our shared objectives. The President’s development agenda, as exemplified by the initiatives of the Ministry of Water Resources, serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress and advancement.
“Let us join forces to build a brighter future for the Middle Belt region, one that is founded upon the principles of peace, prosperity, and cooperation, and where the collective efforts of our citizens can flourish, yielding a harmonious and thriving society for generations to come.”
Momodu slams Fayose over comments on poor families
Prominent journalist and publisher Chief Dele Momodu has criticized former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose over his recent comments that poor men having multiple wives and children is a hindrance to Nigeria’s growth.
Fayose in an interview with Channels TV on Monday, claimed that poor men having many wives and children, citing his experiences in the North, is a problem to Nigeria’s growth.
Responding to these comments, Momodu questioned Who is more destructive to the nation, the poor man with plenty of wives and children, or the politician with one wife and many high-maintenance girlfriends, who wastes public resources on extravagant lifestyles.
He also asked who is more productive, the politicians and the poor in society, challenging the notion that the latter group is less productive.
Momodu urged Fayose to acknowledge that they have all failed the country and need an urgent reset, rather than engaging in blame games.
He wrote, “My dear Brother AYO FAYOSE, I have just two questions Sir: who is more destructive to the nation, the poor man with plenty wives and children or the politician with one wife and many high maintenance girlfriends, who waste public resources on extravagant lifestyles including private jets?
“Who is more productive, the politician who steals the sweat and resources of the citizens or the poor man who sends his many poor wives and children to the farmlands to grow crops for every one of us!!!
“Your Excellency, my dear Brother, please, let’s all accept that we’ve failed this country and we need an urgent reset. We cannot afford the blame games at this perilous time
“May God forgive our transgressions…
Warmest regards always, CHIEF DELE MOMODU”
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Dialogue with Tinubu, shelve planned nationwide protests, Peace Corps begs Nigerians
The Peace Corps of Nigeria has pleaded with Nigerians, especially the aggrieved ones to dialogue with President Bola Tinubu and shelve the August 1 planned nationwide protests against hardships confronting the nation.
Rather than embarking on protests, the Corps called for high-level consultation for a better understanding of the issues in contest and to resolve all that triggered the planned action.
Addressing a World Press Conference on the issue in Abuja on Tuesday, the National Commandant of the Corps, Dr Dickson Akoh expressed fears that protests at the moment may worsen the economic and political situations of the country rather than resolve them.
At the Conference attended by prominent members of the Corps, Akoh said any step that will be inimical to the well-being of the citizenry, especially the downtrodden ones, must be avoided.
According to him, “It is the stand of the Corps that any step that carries with it the potential to metamorphose to a crisis situation should be considered inimical to the general good of the country and the entire citizenry.
‘As a patriotic youth organization concerned with the state of affairs of the nation vis-a-vis the planned nationwide protest billed to commence on Thursday, 1st August 2024, the Peace Corps of Nigeria strongly deems it very important to add its voice to that of other well-meaning Nigerians and groups in calling for a cautious approach in handling the very delicate situation staring at us.
“The Corps is not oblivious to the biting economic reality in the country characterized by the growth in the poverty level of the populace which the effect is very visible for all to see.
“The Corps is very much concerned about the likely aftermath of the proposed protest and thus pleads with its organizers to consider the very much better diplomatic option of dialogue and persuasion rather than the option of protest in an already volatile and tense polity.
“Protest is highly susceptible to the activities of enemies of Nigeria who will not hesitate to use the platform to unleash their ill intention and stifle life out of the vulnerable citizens of the country.
“The organization acknowledges some of the overwhelming burning issues of concern that have negatively affected the lives of the people which forms the backbone of the proposed protest.
“The issues range from rising inflation, unemployment, hunger, insecurity and the general economy with adverse consequences on the lives of the people, the socio-economic and security of the nation.
“Most of these realities have more grave consequences on the average Nigerian, particularly the youth and women and are capable of compounding the already fragile security of the nation.
“While we appreciate the everyday enormous challenges confronting Nigerians as a result of the ongoing reforms with its attendant initial hardship by the Federal Government, it is imperative to be reminded that the present administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, is barely a year and two months in office.
“It is not in doubt that the present administration inherited a myriad of issues including a high level of insecurity which it has thus far demonstrated a strong willingness and capacity to overcome.
“Realistically speaking too, it will be a demand of the impossible to expect that these several complex challenges that have existed for over three decades will all be resolved overnight.
“It is our belief that the present situation of the country can only be effectively resolved through a combination of short, medium and long-term measures under a rational system.
“The Peace Corps of Nigeria, therefore passionately appeals to all well-meaning Nigerians, especially the youth, to exercise a little more patience and support Mr President to drive his programmes and policies for the ultimate benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Dialogue with Tinubu, shelve planned nationwide protests, Peace Corps begs Nigerians
NAMA grounds Arik aircraft following court order
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency has grounded Arik Airline aircraft following a court order over a $2.5m debt owed to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd.
The agency disclosed this in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NAMA, Abdullahi Musa, on Tuesday.
The agency made it known that this development stems from an enforcement action by the Federal Capital Territory High Court on July 19, 2024, which involved attaching Arik’s planes to secure the debt.
“On the 19th day of July 2024, the enforcement department of the FCT High Court enforced an Order made by the Court regarding a debt of $2.5 million owed by Arik Airline to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd. by attaching their aircraft.
“Arik was further given a notice of Public Auction of the planes by the Court which was slated to hold on the 26th day of July 2024 if they fail to pay the Judgment debt,” the statement partly read.
The legal battle dates back to March 8, 2016, when the Lagos State High Court entered judgment against Arik Airline.
Despite appealing to the Court of Appeal, the decision was upheld on September 30, 2021, and further attempts to appeal to the Supreme Court were dismissed on January 9, 2024.
“The Supreme Court, per Okoro, J.S.C., delivered its Ruling dismissing the Judgment Debtor’s application for leave to appeal,” the statement detailed.
Following these legal proceedings, the Judgment Creditor registered the judgment in the High Court of the FCT. On June 26, 2024, Honorable Justice O. A. Adeniyi ordered the attachment of Arik’s movable properties, including several aircraft. “Copies of the Order and Certificate of Judgment were also served on us and the Minister,” NAMA noted.
While Arik Airline has since obtained an ex-parte order stopping further execution, NAMA has yet to be formally served. In response, NAMA has decided to ground the aircraft to preserve the subject matter of the dispute.
“We have decided to comply with the effect of the Supreme Court order, by grounding the aircraft (subject of dispute) so that they are not taken out of the jurisdiction of the court or tampered with in a way as to frustrate the courts,” the statement said.
“The Minister, being a member of the Inner Bar himself understands the implication of the Supreme Court Order dismissing the motion for leave to appeal and will not risk his license as a legal practitioner or his privilege as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria by engaging in acts that will frustrate an order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” NAMA affirmed.
NAMA has urged the disputing parties to resolve their issues swiftly to allow the grounded Arik aircraft to resume operations.
“The parties to the dispute are encouraged to resolve their issues as quickly as possible so that the Arik aircraft in question can resume flight operations.”
Following this, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria announced measures to assist passengers affected by the grounding of Arik Airline.
In a statement, posted on the agency’s X account, FAAN acknowledged the situation, saying, “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is aware that Arik Airline has been grounded due to litigation issues between the airline and their creditors.”
“The Authority has instructed all airport managers across the country to assist the affected passengers as Arik Airline works out plans to rebook and transfer passengers to other available flights,” the statement read.
Former PDP Chairman Secondus says Tinubu lacks moral authority to stop protests
Uche Secondus, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu, asserting that he lacks the moral authority to stop the planned #EndBadGovernance protest.
Secondus argued that Tinubu, having benefited from protests during his time in opposition, should not now seek to suppress the voices of Nigerians.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Secondus emphasized the civic duty of citizens to hold governments accountable, particularly in the face of economic crisis and insecurity. He criticized the use of partisan, ethnic, and religious sentiments to discourage protests, highlighting the need for a non-partisan, pan-Nigerian approach.
“President Tinubu while in opposition was a notable arrowhead leading protests against the government.
Read Also: Shehu Sani tells Fayose to withdraw comment about northern region, apologise
The state of anomie where we find ourselves today as a country incrementally worsened because the citizens failed in their duty to hold governments at all levels accountable,” he said.
Secondus defended the planned protest as a democratic platform to arouse national consciousness and compel leadership to act in the interest of citizens. He urged that the protest should not be discouraged, emphasizing the importance of holding governments accountable.
“The planned #EndBadGovernanceProtest “is a non-partisan pan-Nigerian and altruistic engagement of the citizens aimed at addressing the malaise in our country.
“This protest should not be discouraged. Protests remain the most potent democratic platform through which the consciousness of nations can be aroused, and indeed, the consciousness of the leadership elite can be nudged and compelled to act rightly in the interest of citizens,” he stated.
The planned #EndBadGovernance protest has become a lightning rod for concerns about the country’s economic and security challenges. Secondus’s statement has added fuel to the fire, with many Nigerians echoing his call for accountability and good governance.
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Libya depots 369 Nigeria, Mali migrants
Libya repatriated Tuesday 369 irregular migrants to their home countries Nigeria and Mali, including more than one hundred women and children, an official told AFP.
Mohammed Baredaa, head of the Libyan interior ministry organisation tasked with halting irregular migration, said two repatriation flights took place transporting 204 Nigerians and 165 Malians.
Nine babies, 18 minors, and 108 women were among the Nigerian irregular migrants, said Baredaa.
He said that the flights were carried out “in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM)”.
The UN agency provides free return flights to migrants and helps reintegrate them into their home countries with its “voluntary humanitarian return programme”.
But some migrants told AFP on Tuesday that they were being forcibly deported.
Libyan authorities “came at night and broke down the door”, said Hakim, 59, a Nigerian who has lived in Libya for 25 years who declined to give his surname.
He said they confiscated his passport before detaining him and his wife prior to repatriation.
Libya is still struggling to recover from years of war and chaos after the 2011 NATO-backed overthrow of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.
Smugglers and human traffickers have taken advantage of the climate of instability that has dominated the vast country since.
Libya has been criticised over the treatment of migrant and refugees, with accusations from rights groups ranging from extortion to slavery.
Situated about 300 kilometres (186 miles) from Italy, it is a key departure point for migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan African countries, risking perilous Mediterranean Sea journeys to seek better lives in Europe.
But with mounting efforts by Libya and the European Union to curb irregular migration, many have found themselves stranded in Libya.
Earlier this month, Libyan authorities said up to four in five foreigners in the North African country were undocumented.
“It’s time to resolve this problem”, Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi had said at the time, adding that Libya has turned from a “transit country to a country of settlement” — something he deemed “unacceptable”.
AFP.
August 1: Thugs threaten traders, warn them against protest in Lagos market
Ahead of nationwide protests against poor governance starting August 1, a concerning video has emerged showing thugs intimidating market traders on Lagos Island.
The footage, which has been widely circulated, shows the thugs moving through the market and threatening traders with severe consequences if they do not comply with their demands.
One of the individuals in the video is heard warning, “Nigerians, you are not the only people hungry. Do not come out on August 1st to protest. Well, if you get the mind to come out, see what will happen to you.”
This comes amid several calls from the government, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to shelve the anticipated protest.
Video link:
Pro APC thugs are out on the streets of Lagos threatening people over the anticipated protest. pic.twitter.com/H2e1rAOU0h
— N•O•C (@Neutral_OC) July 30, 2024
August 1: Thugs threaten traders, warn them against protest in Lagos market
Panic grips Anambra as security forces engage ESN, IPOB members
There was pandemonium in the Issieke community and environs in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on Tuesday arising from heavy shootings between security operatives and men suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network and Indigenous People of Biafra.
Eyewitnesses in the community said the shootings, which started in the early hours created panic and fear as residents remained indoors and traders stayed away from markets and other public places for fear of stray bullets.
Although the casualty rate has yet to be ascertained, it was gathered that some villagers who summoned the courage to come out from their various homes sustained varying degrees of injuries as they ran helter-skelter to escape from stray bullets.
One of the sources and a community leader in the area who spoke to our correspondent on the telephone said, “The shooting incident began in the early hours of the night when some security operatives on masks stormed the area.
“We don’t know the actual reason for the shootings, but from the information I have gathered, it looks as if the security operatives are raiding some criminal hideouts in the area and you know such exercise would always come with skirmishes.
“As I speak now, shootings are still ongoing and people have been forced to remain indoors. We suspect it might be a shootout between the hoodlums, suspected to be ESN members and the security operatives. It is not yet clear if there is any casualty at the moment.”
However, when contacted the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident but quickly added that the situation was under control.
Ikenga said, “The situation is under control as clearance operations are ongoing by joint security operatives at Issieke community in Ihiala LGA. The joint security operatives raided some criminal elements and hideouts of ESN and IPOB members in the area.
“The operation is still ongoing and no casualty has been recorded so far. There is no cause for panic as only the criminal hideouts are being targeted. Further details shall be communicated soon.”
Meanwhile, hoodlums suspected to be cultists have shot three persons dead at different locations in Awka, the state capital.
It was gathered that the shooting spree occurred at Ukwuorji, St. Faith Cathedral area, close to the popular Eke Awka Market and Amawbia areas.
August 1 Protest: Thugs threaten traders in Lagos market
Ahead of nationwide protests against poor governance starting August 1, a concerning video has emerged showing thugs intimidating market traders on Lagos Island.
The footage, which has been widely circulated, shows the thugs moving through the market and threatening traders with severe consequences if they do not comply with their demands.
One of the individuals in the video is heard warning, “Nigerians, you are not the only people hungry. Do not come out on August 1st to protest. Well, if you get the mind to come out, see what will happen to you.”
This comes amid several calls from the government, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to shelve the anticipated protest.
Video link:
Pro APC thugs are out on the streets of Lagos threatening people over the anticipated protest. pic.twitter.com/H2e1rAOU0h
— N•O•C (@Neutral_OC) July 30, 2024
August 1 Protest: Thugs threaten traders in Lagos market