Amaechi: Why I Need A Brand New Jet
By Isa Umar Gusa
Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi said he is seeking a new jet because he doesn't feel safe in the smaller and old plane he is using for official trips.
The governor explained that his jet procured by his predecessor, Peter Odili, was not big enough to resist changes in weather conditions, making it dangerous for him to fly in it.
He said contrary to allegations by Dr. Abiye Sekibo that the Rivers State government was planning to buy a new plane valued at $48 million (about N7.5 billion), the state was only trading an old aircraft for a new and better one. Amaechi, however, failed to disclose the value of the new jet as well as the difference the state is expected to pay in a barter deal.
"We are not just buying a new plane, we are trading in the old one for something new and I don't see anything wrong with that. If you look at the size of the plane and the current climatic conditions when you fly, you will see how dangerous it is for us to fly in that small sized plane. We are not even buying a very large plane; we are trading it for an improved version," he said.
Amaechi, who pointedly said he wasn't going to compromise his safety because of what the opposition ACN is saying, said: "I wouldn't risk my life because I'm trying to listen to an Abiye Sekibo who is accusing us of corruption. That's a wrong statement. I will not lead a corrupt government."
C. Dailytrust
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