- Safiu Kehinde
The 2023 Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi has urged political leaders to stop harassing local businesses but rather encourage and patronize them.
Obi stated this after travelling to London aboard Air Peace.
But the statement is coming amidst the ongoing clash between Air Peace and former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomole.
NPO Reported that Oshiomole on Wednesday caused stir at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) by ordering the closure of Air Peace’s departure terminal after missing his flight.
The incident had results to series accusation and counter-accusations from both parties.
While the airline accused Oshiomole of assaulting its staff and inconveniencing it’s customers, the Edo lawmaker accused the Air Peace of extortion and reselling of already booked spots for passengers.
Making a post about his trip to London aboard Air Peace in the early hours of Saturday, Obi commended the airline for its professionalism and competence.
The former Anambra state governor maintained that indigenous businesses deserve strong and deliberate support from political leaders not condemnation.
He noted that the difficult environment under which most of the businesses operates, especially the aviation industry, is highly capital intensive.
“I just arrived in the UK this morning, on Air Peace from Lagos to London. I have now taken almost a dozen flights to or from London on this airline. I want to sincerely thank the management and staff of Air Peace for their professionalism, consistency, and competence on this route.
“Once again, I use this opportunity to appeal to Nigerian Elites and political leaders to give strong and deliberate support to indigenous businesses.
“It is never easy to run any business in our difficult environment, let alone highly capital-intensive sectors like air and land transportation, especially given the challenges of competitiveness and rising operational costs.
“Nigerian businesses need our encouragement and patronage, not harassment or unnecessary intimidation.
“Supporting local businesses, particularly those that create massive employment, is critical for job creation, economic growth, and sustainable national development.” Obi wrote.