The Nigerian Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Forum (NENYLF) on Saturday warned that nothing must happen to embattled Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema and his Peace Airline.
The coalition also accused business rivals of Onyema of collaborating with some people in the United States government to harass the businessman who they called one of the finest in Nigeria.
The coalition consists of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, the Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide and the Ijaw Council Worldwide.
A joint statement signed by their various Presidents, Yerima Shettima, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Aremo Oladotun Hassan, and Barrister Pereotubo Oweilaemi, respectively, said they would no longer fold their arms and watch individuals with passion to rescue Nigeria brought down through allegations like the one currently being suffered by Onyema who had, for long, done business with the US.
The statement reads: “We have been following with keen interest the conflicting narratives coming out of the United States regarding the purported indictment of Nigeria’s philanthropist, Mr. Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema.
“As law-abiding citizens, we recognize the involvement of the US Court and would not want to take a prejudicial stand on the matter.
“But much as we appreciate the involvement of Judiciary, we feel there is compelling reason to question this sudden, purported indictment of a Nigerian who has been doing business for decades in the US and he has never been found wanting until now. This raises fundamental questions about the bad timing and the growing suspicion of many Nigerians over the motive behind targeting our son of the soil.
“We are beginning to see a pattern that smacks of conspiracy by his business rivals in Nigeria, working together with their American collaborators to rubbish one of the few outstanding philanthropists in Nigeria.
“Onyema has, since built the reputation of a peace promoter who brokered peace between the late President Yaradua-led Federal Government and militants of the Niger-Delta using his well-known platform of peace and reconciliation.
“Beyond Niger-Delta, Onyema has left his footprint as a man dedicated to the service of Nigerians in difficult situations, using his hard-earned income.
“It was the same Onyema who worked tirelessly to broker peace between the Coalition of Northern Groups and Igbos, when it culminated into the quit notice issued all Igbo residents in the North. Working closely with the then Governor of Borno State, Onyema ensured that the Coalition of Northern Groups’ Kaduna Declaration against Igbos, leading to the clash with IPOB, was withdrawn and peace reigned in the end.
“It therefore smacks of grand conspiracy to see how the man is being pushed and pulled in many directions with accusations yet to be confirmed by any court of competent jurisdiction in his fatherland, much less that of the United States. We noticed how the narrative is being spread to the media, to achieve a desired end.
“Fresh in the memory of majority of Nigerians today is how since 2013 Onyema has committed a large chunk of his legitimate business profit to help communities ravaged by natural disasters or communal conflicts.
“Even at a very critical stage during the most heinous xenophobic attack of Nigerians in South Africa and the attendant diplomatic row between our country and South Africa, only Onyema came forward with a huge budget for evacuating Nigerian victims from that country.
“It is on record that Onyema’s multiple investments in Nigeria have been helpful not only as window of job opportunities for Nigerians but also as a classical example of Corporate Social Responsibility.”
