THE Rivers State government has responded to what it says are attempts by “disgruntled and self-serving politicians” to engage in smear campaign against the Governor Rotimi Amaechi Administration in the state.
Specifically, the government addressed allegations that the Governor Amaechi acquired armored helicopters and private jets ahead of the 2015 election season for personal use, saying that such is nothing but “a figment of the writer’s imagination.”
The government reacted through a strongly worded statement signed by the state information commissioner, Ms. Ibim Seminitari, in which it attributed the report to “charlatans (who) go overboard to concoct stories” for cheap popularity.
The statement further said that the government is committed to keeping its promise to render an open and accountable administration of the affairs of the people of the state, pointing out that it had indeed been public knowledge that the government planned on acquiring two helicopters to provide and enhance security in the state.
According to Ms. Seminitari, the government of Rivers State had always been in possession of a jet, and has not just bought it as is being reported. She described the helicopters purchased for security by the state government to be two bell 412 helicopters with camera payload for aerial surveillance in the state.
Ms. Seminitari also said that the helicopters were bought for 29 million US dollars and that the federal government, through the office of the National Security Advise, paid 15 million USD, while Rivers State took charge of the outstanding amount.
The security of lives and property remains a top priority for the Amaechi government in Rivers State, the statement signed by Ms. Seminitari added, thanking President Goodluck Jonathan for its role in aiding the purchase of the aircrafts for the use of the Rivers States government.