Rivers Says FG Part Funded New Helicopters, Warns Of Smear Campaign

SAN FRANCISCO, April 12, (THEWILL) – The Rivers State Government Friday slammed a group which it described as “disgruntled and self-serving politicians” peddling a smear campaign against the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi over the purchase of surveillance helicopters for use in the state.

An Abuja newspaper had reported that the Amaechi using state funds purchased a luxury jet and two armoured helicopters for perceived presidential run in 2015.

The government has however denied the allegation.

A statement by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Ibim Semenitari, reads: “The attention of the government of Rivers State has been drawn to deliberate and repeated attempts by a group of disgruntled and self-serving politicians to engage in a smear campaign against the Governor Chibuike Amaechi led administration.

As a government we have watched with amazement as these charlatans go overboard in their attempt to concoct stories and seek for relevance and cheap popularity.

The latest allegation is that Governor Amaechi has acquired armored helicopters and private jest ahead of 2015. Whilst this is a figment of the writer’s imagination, the Rivers State government in keeping with its promise to render transparent and accountable stewardship to the people of Rivers State will like to reiterate as follows:

1) The Rivers State government had announced its intention to purchase two security helicopters at several fora.

2) The Rivers State Government has always owned a private jet and has NOT purchased any new airplanes nor does it intend to purchase one. As is typical of Governor Amaechi, such purchases would be openly and transparently done and so would not need to be a matter of conjecturing.

3) The helicopters, 2 bell 412 helicopters with camera payload for aerial surveillance of Rivers State were purchased as part of the state government’s collaboration with the federal government and its support for the security agencies in the state.

4) The total cost of the helicopters was 29 million USD. The Federal Government of Nigeria through the office of the National Security Adviser paid 15 million USD, while the Rivers State Government paid the balance. The Federal Government granted duty waiver.

5) The aircrafts are being freighted into Nigeria and will be reassembled in Lagos.

6) The helicopters are to be operated by the Nigerian police in conjunction with the oil companies who have offered to bear some of the operating cost to enable government combat the menace of oil bunkering.

7) The police took delivery of similar choppers in 2012 built by the same company.

8) The 412 four axis choppers are rated the most advanced civil helicopters in the world.

9) The acquisition, which was done with the support of the federal government, is to enhance security of lives and property in Rivers State.

10) The Government of Rivers State has repeatedly supported the security agencies by investing in state of the art up to date security equipment as has indeed been acknowledged by all. Our investments have been pivotal to the restoration of peace and security not only in Rivers State but also in the Niger Delta and indeed the South South and South East regions of Nigeria.

11) One finds it therefore very disturbing that anyone will trivialize a matter as serious as the security of not just the lives of Rivers people but also the commonwealth of all Nigerians.

12) Finally the Rivers State government wishes to acknowledge and thank the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his quick action and amazing support leading to the purchase of these helicopters. His commitment to national security and willingness to collaborate with al tiers of government and all sectors to ensure the security of lives and property is worthy of accolade and support.

13) The Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi led administration wishes to re affirm its commitment to the people of Rivers State and the governor’s determination to fulfill his oath of office to protect lives and property of all who reside, work and do business in Rivers State.

Signed
Ibim Semenitari
Commissioner of Information and Communications, Rivers State.”