Barely three months after the Dana plane crash that
took the lives of all passengers aboard and some other persons on ground, the
federal government restored the airline's licence. There has been a lot of
condemnation since the lifting of the ban on the airkine's activities, with
some family members of victimes saying they have not even finished burying
their loved ones.
One of such family members is Obinna Ajuonuma, son of
Levi Ajuonuma, NNPC spokesperson who died in the crash. Obinna lamented the
situation, and has written a petition against Dana Air.
Speaking to Daily Times, he said: "I saw a picture
of Peter Okoye at the surprise party he had for his girl, and I noticed that
the MD of Dana Airlines was there as well. I can't believe he is bold enough to
show his face partying while families of the deceased are planning burial
ceremonies. Some families haven't even gotten the bodies of their loved ones,
even what was promised to all the families haven't been received, that's how
bad it is."
"This crash happened 3months ago and all of a
sudden, the Federal Government decided to free Dana just like that? The
Ministry of Aviation is not even serious because there are no conclusions on
the case, there was no court ruling, absolutely nothing.
It is very obvious the Minister of Aviation has
more priorities than clearing up the Dana crash. Dana hasn't faced any kind of
punishment, they were set free just like that; there was no public apology, no
remorse shown, no assurance it won't happen again, nothing and the man is busy
partying. Where is the respect for the affected? Where is the respect for the
dead?"
To call for a boycott and ban on the airline's
activities, Obinna started a petition online at change.org.
"It is called 'Boycott Dana Air. Let us all speak
up, let everyone voice out their opinion. Let us use this as one of the times a
change can be made. Let Dana be the scapegoat. We don't need to protest or
rally, let Nigerians just speak up. Let's write to our leaders, let's make an
example out of Dana Airlines. Someone needs to be held accountable and
responsible," he said.
"Earlier on, the aviation minister was on TV
saying she will make sure there are 5 brand new airports in the country by
2014, should that be her main priority now? We need facts. Where are the facts
gotten from the investigation that was done? They have concluded so quick and
forgotten so soon. There was also a story about Dana stopping the inquest on
the investigation, that is just insane.
"We need an explanation to give us closure, if
this is happening in the country, what is it saying to the citizens? It's
almost like our leaders don't care."
To sign the petition, visit:
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/dana-air-nigeria-stop-them-from-operating-again-in-nigeria
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/dana-air-nigeria-stop-them-from-operating-again-in-nigeria