By Friday Nwosu – atqnews.com
The Association of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), for an amendment of the constitution of the body. The application which falls under Part C of the companies and allied Matters Act Cap C20 LFN 2004, when approved will have a new set of trustees to run the affairs of the association.
With the new constitution, former Secretary General of the association, Captain Mohammed Joji, of Skypower Express ceases to be scribe of the body. The other trustees removed include Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, of Oriental Airline, Chief Arthur Eze of Traix Airline, governor of Kogi State and former EAS MD, Captain Idris Wada, Captain Augustine Okon of ADC among others.
Those that survived the change include former Bellview MD, Dr. Kayode Odukoya, who is now the managing director of FirstNation Airline, and Managing Director of IRS Airline, Alhaji Rabiu I. Rabiu whose airline is currently not in operation. The names of the new trustees applied for by the association, include the current chairman of AON, Captain Nogie Meggison, Managing Director of FirstNation Airline, Dr. Kayode Odukoya, Managing Director Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, CEO of Overland Airways, Captian Edward Boyo and Alhaji Rabiu I. Rabiu of IRS Airline.
However, the new board is without some major players in the aviation industry. The biggest airlines in the industry, Arik Air, Aero, Air Peace and Dana Air were not represented on the board. Under the new constitution, the National Executive Council will include the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Executive Secretary.
Members of the AON are now categorised as full or associate members, the executive secretary of the association shall be employed by the trustees upon recommendation from the Chairman or in this absence, the Vice-Chairman of the association amongst others.
Former chairman of the association, Dr. Steve Mahonwu was elected in 1993 without any new election to usher in new excos for over 20 years since they took over the mantle of leadership. It was not until 2013, that Meggison who doubles as the chief executive officer of Jed Air emerged as the chairman of the AON after an election conducted by a law firm, Banwo & Ighadalo.
AON is the umbrella body for Domestic Airlines Operating in Nigeria.
