The foremost socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo has taken a swipe at the Federal Government over its plans to downgrade the Akanu Ibiam International Airport to a local airport claiming safety concerns.

Coordinator of the youth wing of Ohaneze Indigbo, Chinedu Arthur said the Igbo ethnic nationality was displeased with the move and warned that it may have dire consequences.

Arthur urged the Federal Government to reverse the move of downgrading the airport, pointing out that the airport has an economic benefit to the South-East region of the country.

He said, “This airport is strategic in its location due to its economic importance, you cannot downgrade an airport linking a zone. The Enugu State Governor had since ordered the relocation of Orie Emene Market, shut down the nearly abattoir and ordered immediate removal of the broadcasting mast and other illegal structures on the approach of the airport.”

“We want the Federal Government to be fair to all because it is a problem amongst the Igbos or other regions, so, they should not take for granted.

“One of the major reasons the IPOB wanted to take their own country is because of all these issues, which is resulting to marginalization of the Igbos”.

He buttressed that there was a lot of economic activities going on in the region such as; the Onitsha International Market, Innoson Motors and other companies operating in the State.

He, however, urged the Federal Government to commence work on the airport by upgrading operational facilities to an international standard as it was being done in other climes rather than downgrading it.

Arthur cautioned the Federal Government not to go ahead with the agreed plans as it will send a signal that the region was not part of the country.