Levi Ajuonuma’s son, widow of one of the victims, Onyinye Okocha and other relatives of the victims of Dana plane crash have condemned the lifting of the suspension of the operating licence of the airline.
They described the decision as unfortunate, unbelievable and one that did not portray the country in good light.
They called on Nigerians to join them in putting pressure on the Federal Government to reverse the decision.
The government had suspended the airline from operating on June 5, two days after its Boeing McDonnell 83 crashed in Iju, Lagos, killing 153 people on board and 10 on the ground.
The Federal Government, however, reversed its decision on September 5, saying it was satisfied with the airworthiness of the airline.
Both Obinna and Okocha on Thursday launched a campaign on the internet against the airline.
Where is justice –
26-year-old widow
Okocha said said she received the news with disbelief.
The statement reads in part, “It is barely three months after their carelessness and negligence took the life of my husband and 152 other passengers aboard.
“The final report of the investigation of the crash is not yet out.
“The revelations during the coroner’s inquest showed that there was some form of negligence and misconduct on the part of Dana Air, but yet again, the Nigerian government has shot itself in the leg by restoring their licence.
“Where is Justice? I ask.
“It is one thing for their licence to be restored, it is another thing for you to keep them in business. If our government cannot do what is proper, we can.
“I call on well meaning Nigerians who love and respect human life to boycott Dana Air.
“The crash may not have affected you like it did me. You may not be a widow like me at the age of 26, left alone to raise a baby that was just 15 months.
“But if we all keek quite, this one too shall pass as one of the sad many.”
Ajuonuma’s son launches Internet petition
Levi Ajuonuma’s son, Obinna urged Nigerian to sign a petition online to force the government to reverse its decision.
He wrote, “ I need you to join me and others in signing the petition that will Dana Air from operating again in Nigeria.
“Three months after the suspension of its license, the Federal Government has decided to lift the suspension Dana Airline! The wounded hearts are still bleeding and not being taken into consideration here!
Please join forces with me and the families of the faithfully departed, and sign the petition. The link is http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/dana-air-nigeria-stop-them-from-operating-again-in-nigeria
Govt shoudn’t toy with lives – Father
Also, Pastor David Adeleke, Senior Pastor Bethel Covenant Family Church and father of one of the victims, Damilola Adeleke, said the decision meant doom for the country.
He said, “If they have taken into consideration the findings that led to the crash and ignored it to restore the licence, then that means doom for this country.
“Certain things were said about the aircraft but if nothing has been done to correct those things, then those involved have not done their jobs well.
“I travelled with the same aircraft on Saturday, June 2, a day before the crash, with my wife. In fact, my son was supposed to travel with us but for the difference in tickets. I learnt the aircraft went on check that day because we waited for three hours to board. The situation of that aircraft was not pleasant at all, the way it landed suddenly, jerking everyone on board was also pathetic.
“But if they say DANA has the right to fly, no one can contest it but they should remember the lives of Nigerians that they are jeopardising. It could be anyone next time; they should not toy with the lives of Nigerians.”
On compensation for his son, the pastor said he had ignored the airline.
He said, “I was called by their lawyer in Ikeja, who gave me a cheque of $30,000. I was told it was the first instalment but I have not bothered to contact them again because no amount can compensate for the loss of a child.”
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