Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, has said the decision to donate a state-owned AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force was driven by the need to strengthen efforts to combat insecurity and criminal activities in the state.
He gave the explanation yesterday when the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House in Port Harcourt.
He said the Rivers State Executive Council approved the donation because the aircraft was not being utilized by the state government and could be put to better use by the Nigerian Air Force in security operations.
“It was a decision by the Executive Council. We have this aircraft and we are not using it. If it is needed by the Nigerian Air Force, the least we can do is allow them to take it and support efforts to combat insecurity, particularly in our waterways where issues such as oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism occur,” the Governor said.
He also expressed satisfaction with the longstanding cordial relationship between successive administrations in the state and the Nigerian Air Force.
Fubara recalled that when the Port Harcourt International Airport was temporarily shut down, the Nigerian Air Force made its base available to the state government for air transportation.
According to the Governor, one of the major reasons his administration upgraded the runway at the Nigerian Air Force base in Port Harcourt was to enable the Air Force conduct sensitive operations at the facility instead of relying on a public airport.
He commended the Nigerian Air Force for prioritizing the health and educational needs of its host communities and assured them of the state government’s continued partnership in advancing such initiatives.
The Governor also used the opportunity to restate the state’s commitment to sustaining strong collaboration with the Air Force, noting that the partnership has contributed significantly to the peace and business-friendly environment in Rivers State.
“We want to assure you that our relationship with the Air Force is unshakeable. We need you as much as you need us. Without the security agencies, we would not have the peaceful and business-friendly environment we currently enjoy in Rivers State,” he added.
Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff thanked the Governor and the people of Rivers State for their consistent support to the Nigerian Air Force over the years and assured that the force would continue to protect the interests of the state.
“I would like to sincerely appreciate you and the good people of Rivers State for the strong and consistent support you have extended to the Nigerian Air Force.
“You have been wonderful hosts, and we assure you that we will continue to serve and protect the interests of the people of Rivers State,” he said.
- Kenoye is the Information/Public Relations Officer, Government House Press Unit.