Speaking on the trending issue, Captain Okakpu in a press statement available to ITREALMS, identified international and local collaborators which he called ‘Topnotch Conspirators’ as those behind the recent ordeals the Chairman of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyema is facing, especially in the hands of American Government.
According to him, contrary to allegations that Chief Onyema laundered money in the United States of America, Captain Okakpu wondered why the said indictment failed to state ‘Who the gentleman stole his/hers or their money.
ITREALMS recalls that the United States’ Attorney’s office in Georgia, recently accused Onyema of bank fraud and money laundering, alleging that he moved “more than $20 million from Nigeria through United States bank accounts in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes.”
Capt. Okakpu faulted the report as lacking in merits to prove that the said funds were not channeled into aircraft purchases rather to fraudulent activity in America.
“I strongly believe that mischief makers, enemies of Nigeria and Africa at large are behind this smear campaign against the rising star of Africa. I call them topnotch conspirators because these are greedy and selfish individuals that want to keep Africa in perpetual poverty. Unfortunately, some of our people are conniving with them.
“How can you say someone stole money and fail to tell us the ones such funds belong to. To me, this is a mere witch-hunt as Chief Allen cancelled an order to acquire 10 aircrafts from a certain manufacturer as reports now indicate. Why single him out for punishment. No, not even in the manner they are going about it”, Capt. Okakpu said.
“If you read in-between the lines, the report shows that the issue was an allegation yet to be proved; the US report said Air Peace chairman is innocent until proved guilty. But, some people even in Nigeria are dancing naked in public, casting aspersion to the man who was seen as a messier few weeks back for going to rescue our people being killed during the Xenophobia attacks in South Africa. Who has done this to us!”
“It is very unfair to continue to rubbish Africans who are trying to do things differently by assisting our people. After all, we know those who stole our money but when you are friend of Americans your back is covered. Nigerians should rise to defend this our illustrious son who have continue to make giant strides in the aviation sector.
“if tomorrow, he is found guilty, we will not prevent the law from taking it course. However, media trial and smear campaign against his person is anti-African development. That is how I see it.
“if you have read the reports this morning, you will see that Boeing, from which the aircraft were bought, it was gathered, did due diligence by verifying the documents supplied by Air Peace before signing the deal.
“It was gathered that to prove the authenticity of the transaction, the deal for purchase of the aircraft with the money was sealed at the United States embassy, where the documents were signed.
“So, why the peddling lies against Chief Onyema. This has to stop!
Capt. Okakpu reminded members of the public that the indictment only contains charges hence the defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Nenye Dom/Editor
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