Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday, officially handed over an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force to bolster national security efforts, enhance aerial surveillance, and improve emergency response capabilities.
The donation is also expected to contribute to increasing crude oil production, thereby boosting revenue for developmental purposes.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the 115 Special Operations Group of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Wednesday, Governor Fubara emphasised that the gesture was purely security-driven and devoid of any political undertones.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to securing national economic assets, the governor noted that the donation aligned with efforts to enhance the efficiency and adaptability of security personnel operating in difficult terrains across the state.
“As a member of the committee responsible for ensuring the protection of critical national assets in the Niger Delta, it is incumbent on me to implement measures that guarantee success,” he said.
He further explained the rationale behind the donation:
“As part of our responsibility, we are required to provide basic support in the form of logistics for effective operations, not just for the Air Force but also for the Army, Navy, Police, NSCDC, and the Directorate of State Security Services.
“Knowing fully well that we are saddled with this responsibility, we were confronted with this request that, having left our AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter here for so many years, we should donate it to the Air Force for optimum utilisation.”
Governor Fubara revealed that the helicopter, previously owned by the Rivers State Government, had been grounded due to a dispute with Aero Contractors, which had failed to remit agreed revenue after being given the aircraft for commercial purposes.
“There was a problem between Aero Contractors and the previous administration, leading to the helicopter being forcefully retrieved from them. Since then, it has remained abandoned here at the Air Force Base,” he explained.
He said following a request from the Chief of the Air Staff for the aircraft to be utilised for security operations, the Rivers State Executive Council deliberated on the matter and approved the donation.
“We agreed that the success of Air Force operations in securing critical assets is paramount to us and serves the interest of the state,” Fubara said.
The governor also underscored the economic benefits of increased crude oil production, emphasising the need to support national efforts to generate revenue for development.
“This donation is not a fearful decision but a worthwhile one. It demonstrates our unalloyed support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration in achieving improved revenue to address critical development challenges,” he stated.
Fubara reiterated that the donation was a transparent and sincere contribution to national security, devoid of ulterior motives.
