Rivers state aircraft hidden by Amaechi since 2012 found in Germany: Wike
Governor Nyesom Wike has accused transport minister Rotimi Amaechi of hiding aircraft belonging to Rivers state in Germany.
The governor on Tuesday claimed the state-owned aircraft was taken to and abandoned in Germany in 2012.
According to a statement by the governor’s aide, Kelvin Ebiri, Mr Amaechi’s administration abandoned the aircraft without any documentation.
“The issue is, why was there no documentation to let the incoming government know that we have this facility, and we sent it to RUAG for inspection,” said the Rivers government. “Again, I do know from experience that inspection of such facility does not take more than six months. So, if it was brought in 2012, expectantly at least, by early 2013, the plane ought to have come back for use.”
The aircraft was bought in 2003 by then-Governor Peter Odili and “by 2007 he had handed over to the next government which was my predecessor’s, now, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi,” explained Mr Wike.
The incumbent governor added that he did not know why Mr Amaechi had taken the aircraft to Germany in 2012.
“When we came into office in 2015, we never had an idea that our plane was in your facility. It was a matter of asking questions before we got the information that Legacy 600 belonging to our State is in RUAG, before General Atomics,” said the Rivers governor.
Mr Wike, during a meeting with Markus Froetschi, general manager (business development) of General Atomics Aerotec, disclosed that his government, while making efforts to recover Rivers assets, had through intelligence discovered that the Legacy 600 jet purchased by Mr Odili’s administration was hidden in Germany after Mr Amaechi assumed power, the statement further explained.
According to the statement, Mr Froetschi confirmed the aircraft was brought to Germany by Mr Amaechi’s government in 2012.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
