The governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara on Wednesday handed an Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Speaking at the official handover ceremony at the 115 Special Operations Group of the NAF Base in Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor local government area, the governor clarified that the gesture was not for political purposes but purely for security reason.
“This is not politics. We did not ask for anything in return. Our only request is that this asset be used effectively to secure lives, national assets, and major operations in Rivers State and the Niger Delta,” he said.
He further said the donation was meant to strengthen security operations, enhance aerial surveillance and improve emergency response capabilities in the state and the Niger Delta region.
Fubara also stated that the gift aligns with his administration’s commitment to safeguarding national economic assets, boosting crude oil production, and ultimately increasing revenue for development.
“As a member of the committee responsible for ensuring the protection of critical national assets, it is our duty to support security agencies. We provide logistics not just for the Air Force, but also for the Army, Navy, Police, NSCDC, and DSS,” Fubara said.
He explained that the AW139 helicopter had been abandoned for years following a dispute between the previous administration and Aero Contractors, the company initially contracted to operate it commercially.
“When the chief of the air staff requested the helicopter for security operations, we had no hesitation. The state executive council deliberated on it and agreed that ensuring the success of the Air Force’s operations is in our best interest,” he added.
The governor emphasised that the donation was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to national security and economic stability.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, praised the state government for its support, describing the donation as a crucial step in enhancing national security.
He noted that the AW139 helicopter would bolster tactical airlift, search and rescue missions, and disaster relief efforts, given its advanced avionics and high-speed capability.
“The addition of this aircraft to our fleet underscores our commitment to safeguarding lives and property. We have already commenced training for our pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure its optimal utilization,” Abubakar said.
Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowei, also acknowledged the government’s continued collaboration with the NAF, particularly in providing accommodation and facilitating effective air operations in Port Harcourt.
“As we take delivery of this critical asset, we reaffirm our commitment to operational excellence. This platform will be maximised to achieve national security objectives,” Ebiowei assured.
Punch reported that the official handover process was completed with the signing of documents by the secretary to the rivers state government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, on behalf of the state and the director of works, Air Commodore Haliru Badamasi, on behalf of the NAF.
