Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, on Thursday said the clearance of the grounded aircraft operated by the Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, was allegedly forged.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Oduah said this in a statement by her Special Assistant, Media, Mr. Joe Obi, in Abuja.
She said there were three controversial issues surrounding the Bombardier Global Express 5000/Registration N565RS, allegedly owned by the Rivers Government.
Oduah said, “The issues of operating with falsified clearances dubiously collected in the name of Caverton Helicopters, a USA-based company; and why the aircraft was operated after the clearances had expired.
“We want to state again that this particular aircraft is foreign-registered in the name of Bank of Utah Trustees, USA. This is the documentation available to the ministry.”
She added, “Till date, neither the Rivers Government nor any other individual or corporate organisation has presented contrary documentation to debunk the fact that this aircraft is owned by the Bank of Utah Trustees.
“The onus is, therefore, on the Rivers Government to present documents showing that it is the rightful owner of the aircraft. Till date, we have yet to see any such documentation.”