Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has clarified that the donation of an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force is solely for security purposes and has no political undertone.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony on Wednesday at the 115 Special Operations Group of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Fubara said the move was aimed at strengthening security operations, enhancing aerial surveillance, and improving emergency response capabilities in the state and the Niger Delta region.

According to him, the helicopter donation aligns with his administration’s commitment to safeguarding national economic assets, boosting crude oil production, and ultimately increasing revenue for development.

“As a member of the committee responsible for ensuring the protection of critical national assets, it is our duty to support security agencies. We provide logistics not just for the Air Force, but also for the Army, Navy, Police, NSCDC, and DSS,” Fubara said.

He explained that the AW139 helicopter had been abandoned for years following a dispute between the previous administration and Aero Contractors, the company initially contracted to operate it commercially.

“When the Chief of the Air Staff requested the helicopter for security operations, we had no hesitation. The State Executive Council deliberated on it and agreed that ensuring the success of the Air Force’s operations is in our best interest,” he added.

Fubara emphasised that the donation was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to national security and economic stability.

“This is not politics. We did not ask for anything in return. Our only request is that this asset be used effectively to secure lives, national assets, and major operations in Rivers State and the Niger Delta,” he said.

Receiving the helicopter, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, lauded the Rivers State Government for its support, describing the donation as a crucial step in enhancing national security.

He noted that the AW139 helicopter would bolster tactical airlift, search and rescue missions, and disaster relief efforts, given its advanced avionics and high-speed capability.

“The addition of this aircraft to our fleet underscores our commitment to safeguarding lives and property. We have already commenced training for our pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure its optimal utilization,” Abubakar said.

Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowei, also acknowledged the Rivers government’s continued collaboration with the Air Force, particularly in providing accommodation and facilitating effective air operations in Port Harcourt.

“As we take delivery of this critical asset, we reaffirm our commitment to operational excellence. This platform will be maximized to achieve national security objectives,” Ebiowei assured.

The official handover process was completed with the signing of documents by Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, on behalf of the state, and Director of Works, Air Commodore Haliru Badamasi, on behalf of the Nigerian Air Force.

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