Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has denied news that he was among the 393 passengers of an Ethiopian plane that almost crashed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Wednesday saying he didn't step out of his house.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had reported Wednesday afternoon that Obasanjo was on board the Boeing 777-300 aircraft that almost crashed at the point of landing due to a terrible weather.
Although, the Ethiopian Airlines released a statement confirming its Boeing 777-300 aircraft took off in Addis Ababa en route Lagos and encountered bad weather, it vehenmently denied the aircraft escape crash as reported.
Obasanjo, via Kehinde Akinyemi, his media aide, confirmed he didn't leave his residence throughout yesterday.
NAN reported that Obasanjo, who was visibly absent at President Muhammadu Buhari's inauguration in Abuja, was returning from a stakeholders’ dialogue on Continental Trade and Strengthening Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which ended on Tuesday in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia Airline general manager Nigeria, Firihiewot Mekonnen explained that the aircraft upon experiencing bad weather had to embark on a go – round the airport for better and smooth landing.
“On a second attempt, the aircraft made safe and normal landing. This was according to safety standards. Pilots are encouraged to make similar go – round in such cases. However, some media incorrectly reported this standard safety precautionary go – round. “
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also confirmed the incident.
“The flight, which tried to land at about 1157hours had earlier mis-approached due to bad weather and immediately went up to position properly for landing,” it said in a statement.
The aircraft landed safely at exactly 1213hours and parked at gate E63.”
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