Trending Story

Caverton Helicopters movement: FG insists Wike did not have to know  

510

 

The Federal Government has insisted that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike did not have to know about the Caverton Helicopters flight into the state, stating that the two Pilots were on national assignment.

The two pilots were arrested for lockdown violation in Rivers State.

Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, responding to question on the situation, said the governor did not need to be informed of their movement.

He reiterated his earlier remark that the role by Police Commissioner, Mustapha Dandaura,  and the Commander of the Air Force Base in Port Harcourt in the arrest of the pilots was exhibition of ignorance and lack of competence.

He said: “The issue of coronavirus is a matter of life and death and so it cannot be politicized.

“In chapter 2, section 14 of the Constitution of Nigeria, states the primary purpose of governance to ensure security of life and property. That was why the Taskforce on COVID-19 was established by Mr. President. So it involves the lives of 200 million of us and it takes precedence in this case.

“On the question about the pilots, the pilots were carrying out national assignment because in the speech of the SGF, who is the chairman of the Taskforce and the presidential address, exempted oil and gas from the lockdown or shutdown in national interest.

“Caverton Helicopters Pilots were flying into the military base on national assignment. Of course, I may not be learned but I am lettered and I understand if any but in this case there is none, conflict between a federal and a state law. I will not argue law on this platform in this case because is unnecessary, as I said I am lettered not learned.

“So whether His Excellency, the governor or Rivers State ought to know if the exempted Caverton flight will be landing in a military base in Port Harcourt belonging to the Nigerian Airforce, he does not need to know.

“Secondly, regarding the pilots, the pilots will soon be released, secured and there will not be any conviction hanging on their necks.

“Arising on the constitutional provision and the powers of Mr. President and the seriousness of this Taskforce and the danger of COVID-19, and the way we operate civil aviation including military aviation, that was why I said the Air Force officer acted ignorantly when the chopper landed on his property to have called the governor and the federal police who made the arrest within the premises of the military and prosecuted also acted ignorantly. And I also said he exhibited incompetence.

“So this matter should not be over flogged. Federal government is a very serious matter, it is there for the 200,000 million people of Nigeria whether you are from Rivers or Cross River, Kano or Kaduna, regardless.”

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Emirship crisis: Kano govt. allocates N99.9m for Nassarawa mini-palace renovation

In response to the court’s order reinstating him, the Kano State Government...

Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves up by 5 percent to $33.58bln

Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves have increased by five percent in the...

Billionaire philanthropist Tony Elumelu mulls buying NPFL team

As part of his corporate social responsibility, billionaire banker and philanthropist Tony...

Terry G speaks on Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy rivalries, faces backlash from fans

Nigerian music sensation Terry G, also known as the Apako master, has...

Dani Alves pays €1m bail, set to leave Spanish jail

Former Brazil and Barcelona star Dani Alves, convicted of rape in Spain,...

World TB Day: 70 percent of TB cases in Africa now being diagnosed and treated – WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has disclosed that about 70 percent of...

13th AAG: Tobi Amusan wins gold in women’s 100m hurdles

The Nigerian sprint star, Tobi Amusan, won gold in the women’s 100m...

FG approves N12.7bln for mass metering of army barracks nationwide

The Federal Government says it has released N12.7 billion to provide electricity...

Women’s Day: Tinubu felicitates women, vows to prioritise their welfare, rights

President Bola Tinubu has promised to prioritize the welfare of women, protect...

All African Games: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles start their campaign on a losing note

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria started their campaign in the men’s football...

EFCC sets up task force to combat dollarization of economy, mutilation of naira

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the setting up...

How Bafarawa diverted N4.6bln from ex-NSA for prayers, election, acquire luxury vehicles

A startling revelation has been made about how a former governor of...

CBN redeploys 1,500 staff to Lagos

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has redeployed 1,500 staff...

AFCON: Pres. Tinubu says unimpressed with Super Eagles’ performance

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his displeasure over the performance of the...

I’ve not met a man kind enough to marry —Ini Edo

In a candid revelation, renowned actress, Ini Edo, has hinted about the...

Ogun CP visits shot Nollywood actor, Ijaduade, vows to punish trigger-happy cop

Nollywood actor and Director, Azeez Ijaduade, who was shot “accidentally” by a...

Breaking: Actor, Azeez Ijaduade, allegedly shot by policeman in Ogun

In a shocking incident that has sent shock waves to Yoruba section...

Fast and furious actor, Vin Diesel, accused of sexual assault

Vin Diesel, known for his role in the Fast & Furious Series,...

Anyone asking for money this festive season lacks conscience, fear God – Comedian AY

Amid Nigeria’s challenging economic downturn, renowned comedian, Ayo Makun, popularly known as...

Octogenarian actor, Dejumo Lewis, dies

Nollywood community was on Friday night thrown into grief as the news...