The house of representatives on Wednesday recommended the chief executive officer (CEO) of Air Peace Airlines, Allen Onyema for national honour over his role in evacuating Nigerians in South Africa.
They also resolved to adopt Air Peace as their main carrier.
The lawmakers who made the disclosure at plenary when Onyeama appeared before them, had invited the Air Peace boss to honour him over his decision to evacuate Nigerians caught up in the xenophobic attacks in South Africa at no cost.
The speaker of the house, Femi Gbajabiamila, described Onyema’s gesture as rare and should be commended and celebrated.
He said, “We hereby commend Mr Allen Onyeama and recommend him to the federal government for higher honours in Nigeria.”
Responding, Onyema who said he has never been so honoured in his life, thanked the lawmakers for the gesture.
Onyema said, “I did not do it spontaneously, nor did I do it for publicity, I had to mortgage my landing right in South Africa, because I just got the landing right before the crisis.”
“I did not give a damn, I never did, because I know that I will not go to heaven with any dime.
“I have never been so honoured in my life. You have brought tears to my eyes. I would not have been able to do this if the federal government did not allow me or assemble those people for me to evacuate.”
Air Peace last week evacuated about 187 Nigerians from South Africa, with another batch set to be brought home this week.
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