The Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ART), a think-tank body in the aviation industry, has condemned the detention of Caverton Helicopters by the Rivers Government in Port Harcourt.
In a statement titled “The Unlawful Arrest and Detention of Caverton Helicopters Pilots in Port Harcourt”, which was signed by its spokesman, Olumide Ohunayo, ART said it unequivocally condemned the actions “of the governor of Rivers State- Nyesom Wike and the security operatives involved in the unlawful arrest, humiliation and detention in Port Harcourt on Tuesday 31March 2020 of two Caverton Helicopters Pilots.”
The body said it also condemned the “purported sham prosecution and trial orchestrated by the Rivers State Government at a time when courts have been placed on lockdown by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.”
ART said, “While we noted and acknowledge the deadly nature of the Coronavirus currently ravaging the global community and the need for all hands to be on deck in the fight to contain its spread, we condemn in totality, the flagrant disregard of the authorisation, approvals including exemption granted Caverton Helicopters and other operators of essential services by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority. These reckless actions are capable of leading to a situation of anarchy, which the nation cannot afford at these challenging times.
“ART equally urges the federal authorities to guard against possible abuse of the exemptions and approvals of flights in order not to erode the efficacy of the efforts of those charged with the containment of the spread of COVD -19 and the violation of the lockdown imposed in their various areas of responsibility.”
The body therefore demanded immediate and unconditional release from custody of the two Caverton Helicopters Pilots namely: Capts Samuel Ugorji and Samuel Buhari and a withdrawal of the charges preferred against them without further delay.
“ART believes that the positions highlighted above could help resolve the matter without prejudice to the rights of any of the parties concerned. We are also of view that notwithstanding the prevalent emergency, it was imperative for governors and other public officers to refrain from actions that are beyond their powers,” the body also said.
Also the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) and Caverton Helicopters have called on the federal government of Nigeria, to intervene in the remand of the helicopter (Caverton) pilots by the Rivers State Government in Port Harcourt as ordered by the Executive Governor of the state, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
Both NAAPE and Caverton confirmed that the said operation into Port Harcourt was duly authorised with necessary permits from the federal government through the Ministry of Aviation and in no way an illegal operation.
NAAPE National President, Comrade Galadima Abednego said: “It is a fact that the flight was duly authorised by all agencies involved from the point of law.”
