Following reports that Qatar Airways aircraft suffered tyre-related mishap during take off the Murtala Muhammed International airport, Lagos; a civil society group known as Concerned Nigerians has alleged that the incident could have been stage-managed to convince Nigerians of the need to effect runway repairs at the Abuja airport.
This position was made known in a statement signed and issued in Abuja by its convener, Deji Adeyanju.
Adeyanju said that the group was afraid that some unscrupulous elements in the country might have instigated such a mishap to emphasize the need to carry-out the runway repairs.
However, he called on the government to commence the repairs in earnest, ensure the speedy completion of the project and subsequent reopening of the airport to assuage the fears entertained by Nigerians of an imminent air disaster.
He said: "For a while, we have entertained fears that only an aviation mishap which may affect lots of lives will convince Nigerians of the necessity of this policy. These fears are exacerbated by reports that an aircraft belonging to Qatar Airways was almost involved in a crash as it attempted to take off.
"In fact, we are afraid that there are unscrupulous elements in Nigeria who might instigate such a mishap to emphasize the need to carry out the repairs of the runway.
"We hope that the Ministry of Aviation and other government agencies will put in their best efforts to ensure the speedy completion of this project and the reopening of the NAIA.
"While, fears as to the extent of potential economic losses to the nation remain valid and must be assuaged, the resolve to permanently repair the runway and in so doing potentially save live must be wholeheartedly commended."
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