Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers has revealed how he wrote President Buhari requesting the Nigerian Air Force to come take over two armoured helicopters belonging to the state.
The helicopters were bought by the administration of Rotimi Amaechi and Wike said upon resumption, he asked the federal government to take over their ownership because the state could not afford the custom duty on them, especially as the Buhari government was not willing to grant waiver for their clearance.
Spokesperson of the governor, Simeon Nwakaudu, said in a statement that the governor spoke during an interview with some editors in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers state.
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Lamenting that security agencies have now been drawn into political propaganda and lies concerning the issue, added: “These helicopters were imported by the immediate past administration.
“When I assumed office,we wrote to the federal government that it was strictly for security use. What am I going to use armoured helicopters for?
“In any case, where will the Rivers state government get money at this time to import armoured helicopters? The previous administration imported it because they had the money.
“I went to the federal government to give me a waiver for us to clear the helicopters, but the federal government refused.
“I wrote a letter to the president and to assure him that the helicopters are meant for security purposes, it should be handed over to the Nigerian Air Force.”
Presenting documents to prove he was telling the truth: “I am surprised that they have started propaganda and political falsehood on the said armoured helicopters. What kind of country are they turning Nigeria into?
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“We stated that we cannot pay the custom duties because the helicopters are not for commercial use. They are to be used to monitor the creeks and track criminals.
“I wrote to the President to give the helicopters to the Air force. It is shocking that the custom would turn around to claim that they impounded the helicopters.
“The Chief of Staff to the President admitted that I have done well when I wrote the letter to the president.”
360naze
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