Hadi Sirika, the former minister of aviation, revealed during an appearance on Arise TV that Nnaji Nnolim, the former chairperson of the House of representatives committee on Aviation, made a private request for a five per cent share in Nigeria Air. The request was made shortly after the unveiling of the national carrier by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Nnaji Nnolim had criticized the process leading to the airline’s unveiling, calling it fraudulent. However, Sirika responded by stating that Nnaji and his associates had sought a minority stake in the national carrier. Sirika informed Nnaji that the bidding process had already taken place, and those who won the bidding process were the rightful owners of the shares. He suggested that Nnaji should approach the winners of the bidding process to negotiate the acquisition of the five percent stake.
When asked about the meaning of “his people,” Sirika clarified that it could refer to anyone, not necessarily other members of the lower chamber. It could include Nnaji’s family, associates, or leadership. Sirika advised Nnaji to approach the owners of the airline and negotiate the purchase of the shares.
Sirika also criticized Nnaji and the aviation committee for conducting a predetermined hearing. He explained that the usual practice in the national assembly is to hold a public hearing, gather information, discuss the issues, and present the findings to the entire house of representatives before taking any action. Sirika considered Nnaji’s reading of the riot act immediately after the public hearing as evidence of predetermined intentions.