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Alleged Consumer Rights Violations: FG Sends Strong Warning To Air Peace Following FCCPC’s Probe

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The Federal Government has cautioned Air Peace against obstructing an ongoing investigation into alleged breaches of consumer rights, including exploitative airfare practices. This warning was issued by Ondaje Ijagwu, spokesperson for the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), through a statement released on Sunday.

The warning follows Air Peace’s claim last Friday that the FCCPC’s allegations of exploitative pricing have unfairly harmed its reputation. The airline further accused the Commission of failing to follow due process in its investigation. Air Peace has asserted that domestic airfares should range between ₦500,000 and ₦700,000 per route, a pricing model that has drawn widespread criticism from consumers and regulatory authorities.

The FCCPC, however, dismissed Air Peace’s claims, stating that they appear to be a deliberate attempt to shift focus from the ongoing probe into the airline’s pricing practices.

The FCCPC revealed that consumer complaints against Air Peace center on the following issues:

Unjustified Fare Increases: Allegations of arbitrary price hikes for advance bookings on certain domestic routes.
Transparency Concerns: Lack of clarity in pricing structures.
Passenger Exploitation: Claims of arbitrary flight cancellations, delays without compensation, and surcharges for rescheduling tickets.
One complaint highlighted by the FCCPC challenges Air Peace’s justification for high fares. While Air Peace claims it spends ₦7 million on fuel for a one-hour flight, consumer petitions argue that a typical Boeing 737-500 used by the airline costs approximately ₦4 million to fuel. With 120 passengers paying an average fare of ₦200,000, the airline would generate ₦24 million per flight—far exceeding operational costs. At the proposed fare of ₦500,000, the revenue would soar to ₦60 million per flight.

The FCCPC noted that some competitors have reduced fares to as low as ₦80,000 for similar routes, demonstrating that affordable pricing and operational sustainability are achievable within the same market. This disparity has led to questions about Air Peace’s pricing model and whether the airline is influencing other carriers to raise fares.

Further compounding consumer frustrations, a recent incident at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport saw passengers protesting a four-hour delay on an Air Peace flight to Lagos. The chaos reportedly required security intervention to restore order.

The FCCPC emphasized its legal authority under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018 to investigate pricing practices across all sectors, including aviation. The Commission cited Sections 17, 33, 127, and 148 of the Act, which empower it to ensure that pricing is fair, competitive, and non-exploitative.

Responding to Air Peace’s assertions that only aviation regulators can oversee its operations, the FCCPC clarified that it is mandated to protect consumer rights, regardless of the sector. “Passengers are consumers of its services. Their rights are inalienable and guaranteed under the FCCPA,” the Commission stated.

The FCCPC reiterated its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and warned that no amount of “blackmail or cowboy tactics” from Air Peace would derail its efforts.

The FCCPC reassured Nigerians that it remains resolute in its mission to promote market fairness, safeguard consumer rights, and foster transparency in the aviation industry. It called on the public to disregard unfounded media reports and trust in its ability to uphold justice.

As investigations continue, Air Peace and other stakeholders will need to cooperate with regulatory authorities to address these pressing concerns and ensure compliance with consumer protection laws.

 

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For inside Delta Staati: Meet efe money wey k!dnap him Friend con bęhe*d that he friend, b*ry the he*d for shr!ne and were still collecting money from the boy family wey him kee

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13 mins ago

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December 22, 2024

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UPDATE:

Meet efe money wey k!dnap him Friend con bęhe*d that he friend, b*ry the he*d for shr!ne and were still collecting money from the boy family wey him kee

The person wey the Mr Efe kee so na him t!ght friend, na destiny helper to efe. The person wey efe kee so give efe all the access to heąd over hís invęstments.

Nothing this very guy dey do wey him no dey tell this ev!l boy called Efe.

Na the guy he*d Mr Efe hoļd for hand so when police go remøve the he*d for where Efe bųřy am pųt.

 

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Ooni’s estranged wife, Olori Naomi reportedly collapses, rushed to the hospital following arrest by the police

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December 22, 2024

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Olori Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has been reportedly rushed to the hospital following her arrest.

We reported early this week that Olori Naomi had gotten herself into trouble with her recent charity work. The mother of the crown prince, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by Oriyomi Hazmat, had organized an event to feed the less privileged. Unfortunately, the event led to the death of over 32 children which was caused by a stampede.

The Governor, while sympathizing with the families of victims, noted that efforts had been made to stop further deaths and support victims.

We also learned that the former Queen reportedly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital shortly after her arrest by the police.

When the news of the incident broke out, Ooni expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He showed solidarity with Naomi. He spoke highly of her character and how she was fond of organising similar events when she was royalty.

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IGP WARNS AGAINST UNORGANIZED DISTRIBUTION OF PALLIATIVES, FUNFAIRS. As 2 Other Incidences Hit FCT, Anambra.

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16 hours ago

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December 21, 2024

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PRESS RELEASE

IGP WARNS AGAINST UNORGANIZED DISTRIBUTION OF PALLIATIVES, FUNFAIRS.

As 2 Other Incidences Hit FCT, Anambra.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has raised serious concerns about the unorganized distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during this festive period. This trend is worrisome and calls for urgent concerns to save the lives of citizens of this country, especially the vulnerable youths and the elderly.

This warning follows a series of tragic incidents that highlight the urgent need for a more structured and effective approach to delivering aid to vulnerable communities and members of the public in general. It would be recalled that on the 18th of December 2024, a tragic incident had occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.

In the early hours of today, the 21st of December 2024, another tragedy struck at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, in a similar stampede that occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals. This unfortunate incident led to the death of 10 individuals, leaving many others injured.

A similar incident also occurred at Okija, Ihiala Local Government, Anambra State at a palliative distribution set up by a philanthropist identified as Obi Jackson, which led to the death of several individuals. At the moment, 3 persons have been confirmed dead while many injured have been taken to various hospitals for adequate treatment.

The IGP emphasized the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganized distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and NGOs, including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives. The lack of a well-defined plan for distributing palliatives has resulted in chaos, leading to long lines and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance.

In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives. The IGP has hereby warned groups and organizers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In addition, the IGP has encouraged the general public who would want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution, prioritizing their safety, to avoid unforeseen calamities.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at creating a safer and more structured environment for aid distribution in our communities. Collaborating with relevant stakeholders, the Force aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure such processes are seamless.

The IGP has ordered the Commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidences for further legal actions. The Inspector-General of Police therefore sympathizes with the bereaved families and wishes those injured quick recovery.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

21ST DECEMBER, 2024.

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