RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO MINISTER OF AVIATION

By Ibim Semenitari

The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to allegations of forged documentation and impropriety by aviation officials as it concerns the Rivers State Government owned aircraft. While the Rivers State Government will not want to join issues with the Minister of Aviation, we would like to make the following clarifications:

1) No aircraft can fly into Nigerian airspace illegally and land at various airports within the county unchallenged. The Rivers state Government owned aircraft has been in operation since October 2012

2) The allegation that a state government would “use the name of Caverton Helicopters to obtain various clearances preposterous and embarrassing.

3) The claim that the aircraft insured is owned by ACASS CANADA LIMITED” of 6700 Cote de Liesse, Suite 206,Montreal, QC H4T 2B5, Canada is deliberate distortion of facts. An insurance issued to ACASS was used for entry into service while flying between Canada and the USA for pre-delivery tests. Rivers State Government took delivery on 5th October, 2012 and duly insured the Aircraft and the certificate of insurance duly states this. Please note below:

4) The Rivers State Government has been flying this aircraft since October 2012 with this same certificate and with the knowledge of the Ministry of Aviation.

5) The ownership of the aircraft is not in question as we have clearly explained the relationship between the Rivers State Government and the Bank of Utah. This is a verifiable relationship and is common place in the aviation sector as practitioners and stakeholders know. The Deed of Trust is proof of the aircraft is held in trust by the Bank of Utah of the behalf of the Rivers State Government.

6) We believe that all administrative procedure should and must be complied with however the state government is worried at what is beginning to seem like a witch-hunt of it and related parties that have conducted business with it.

7) We will continue to engage with aviation officials and follow through with all administrative requirements and processes as is most appropriate.

SIGNED
Ibim Semenitari
Hon commissioner of Information and Communications, Rivers State