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Nigerian Govt to sanction Turkish Airlines over mistreatment of passengers
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has stated that it will not hesitate to apply relevant regulatory sanctions against Turkish Airlines for mistreating Nigerian passengers.
NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, informed journalists of this on Wednesday in Lagos.
Achimugu mentioned that President Bola Tinubu has instructed the NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other relevant agencies to always protect the rights of Nigerian passengers.
The NCAA is currently mediating a dispute between Turkish Airlines and aviation labor unions, who have been picketing the airline’s operations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
He emphasized that the agency is prepared to impose severe penalties on Turkish Airlines, as Nigerian passengers remain stranded due to the airline’s failure to transport them to Istanbul.
Achimugu assured that the Federal Government and its agencies are committed to holding any airline accountable for violating Nigerian passengers’ rights.
He added that the NCAA’s Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, initiated reconciliation efforts in a virtual meeting with the Turkish Airlines Country Manager and union representatives. However, the airline’s representative displayed a lack of respect for the regulatory system, which the NCAA found unacceptable.
Achimugu noted that the Federal Government would thoroughly investigate the incident and impose appropriate sanctions if Turkish Airlines is found at fault.
He confirmed that over 300 passengers were affected by the conflict between Turkish Airlines and the aviation unions, resulting in the cancellation of flights to and from Nigeria until Thursday.
Although Turkish Airlines claimed to have notified passengers via email about the operational disruptions, some passengers still arrived at Lagos Airport expecting to fly.
Achimugu stated, “The NCAA is currently investigating the reasons behind Turkish Airlines’ inability to operate flights out of Lagos Airport due to the union’s picketing. We will ensure the rights of Nigerian passengers are upheld.
“President Bola Tinubu has directed the NCAA, FAAN, and other relevant agencies to protect Nigerian passengers’ rights. Currently, the NCAA is engaging with Turkish Airlines officials, but we have observed insolent behavior from the Country Manager, who engaged in a shouting match with our D-G and even banged the table.
“This behavior is unacceptable to the NCAA. If our investigation finds the airline culpable, we will apply the relevant regulations under Part 17 to impose the appropriate penalties.”
The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing work.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this information in a statement on Saturday. She noted that the resurfacing project is set to begin on Friday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until November 20.
Due to the closure, drivers will need to follow detours and alternative routes. Kesha advised that motorists traveling to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should utilize the service lane at Alaka to connect to Costain and access the Eko Bridge.
She explained that some sections of the bridge will be fully closed while others will have partial access.
“This important project aims to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for motorists,” she stated. The work will involve milling the existing asphalt and laying down new asphalt on both the bridge and ramps to address wear and tear and create a smoother, safer roadway.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Akinwale Sarafadeen Adeyemi as the new Chairman of the Governing Council for Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement described Adeyemi as an experienced educationist and noted that he will succeed Peter Babalola, the former chairman, who was dismissed by the state government earlier this month.
Babalola, who was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, faced suspension from his local ward in Irewole due to public criticism over alleged financial misconduct before his removal.
The statement highlighted, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Sarafa Adeyemi, a seasoned educationist, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. Mr. Adeyemi replaces Dr. Peter Babalola, who resigned following a controversial term at the college.”
Adeyemi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Ibadan and is a retired principal of the Federal Girls College in Ipetumodu. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the EXCO lounge.
The police have reported that their operatives apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State, where the governorship election is taking place today, Saturday.
They also vowed to address illegal weapons possession and prevent any disruptions to the electoral process in the state.
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Friday night, along with images of the recovered firearms.
He identified the arrested individuals as Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko, Edo.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in combating electoral violence in Edo State with the arrests of Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member,” the statement noted.
According to DAILY POST, residents of Edo State will be voting for a new governor today, September 21, 2024, who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year term ends.
Nigerian Govt shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs
Gov Adeleke appoints new Governing Council Chairman for Osun College of Education
Edo Decides: Police arrest armed political thugs ahead of election
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