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Nwogu Lauds Minister of Aviation on Air Peace Inaugural Flight to London Heathrow Airport
By Joel Ajayi
As Nigeria marks a new milestone in its aviation history, Chidi E. Nwogu, former member of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation and former Subcommittee Chairman on NAMA, has commended the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), for his steadfast efforts in ensuring fairness, equity, and national interest in the aviation sector.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Mr. Nwogu — who currently serves as a Member of the Governing Council of the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Abuja expressed his delight at being among aviation stakeholders scheduled to participate in the Air Peace maiden non-stop flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to London Heathrow Airport, England, on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Mr. Nwogu lauded the Aviation Minister for his resilience and strategic leadership in implementing the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), which has paved the way for Air Peace to operate this lucrative route, previously dominated by foreign airlines.
“With this singular gesture,” he stated, “the Honourable Minister has created a highly enabling environment for indigenous airlines with the potential to expand their routes and strengthen their operations. This development also opens opportunities for local carriers to enter effective dry and wet lease agreements that meet international standards, allowing them to compete with the very best.”
He further commended Chief Allen Onyema and the management of Air Peace for taking advantage of this opportunity to demonstrate the capability and professionalism of Nigerian airlines on global routes.
Mr. Nwogu noted that this achievement aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Nigerian First Project,’ which emphasizes promoting local capacity and prioritizing Nigerian excellence across sectors.
> “I am confident that our local airlines will continue to match — and even surpass — the operational quality and consistency of their foreign counterparts,” he added.
In a related remark, Mr. Nwogu drew attention to the Nigerian Automotive Industry Bill, sponsored by Senator (Engr.) Patrick Ndubueze, which has passed its Second Reading in the Senate and is awaiting a public hearing. He explained that the Bill seeks to strengthen local manufacturing and encourage Nigerians to patronize domestically produced goods — particularly by directing government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize local procurement.
Finally, Mr. Nwogu urged Air Peace and other Nigerian carriers to explore lucrative West African routes that are currently monopolized by foreign airlines.
> “It is surprising that some of these shorter regional routes attract higher fares than certain European destinations,” he observed. “It’s time for Nigerian airlines to compete favorably within the subregion.”
As Air Peace commences this historic inaugural flight to London, Mr. Nwogu expressed optimism that the airline’s preflight handling, onboard services, and arrival operations will meet or exceed international standards — further showcasing Nigeria’s growing competence and confidence in global aviation.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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