The whereabouts of Akwa Ibom official private jet is still kept in the dark by the authority, despite the state government giving approval for the reduction of its cost management, findings by Straightnews have shown.
Since ex-Governor Udom Emmanuel handed over the reins of governance to Pastor Umo Eno on May 29, 2023, the governor is yet to use the state government-owned jet for official or private functions.
The 12-seater Gulfstream jet manufactured in 2011 and purchased by the former governor, Godswill Akpabio at $45 million in 2012 was handed over to his successor, ex-Governor Emmanuel on May 29, 2015 after swearing into office.
Akpabio used the jet for three years, but Emmanuel used it for eight years.
In an exclusive report published in 22 August 2023, Straightnews alarmed that shortly after the swearing in of Governor Eno, the state government-owned Bombardier Global 5000 with registration number N224BH had ‘‘temporarily’’ disappeared from Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
No official rejoinder was issued to that effect, thus imputing the motive of the authority in power.
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Recall that four months ago Governor Eno had justified his recent patronage of Ibom Air, for official engagements outside the state, on the basis of promoting the brand with a view to offering him more insights into the operations of the airline.
The Governor, however, dismissed insinuations that the immediate past Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, is with the official Governor’s jet as being speculated in some quarters, urging Akwa Ibom people to desist from maliciously induced and baseless allegations that serve no good intent and purpose.
The Governor dismissed insinuations that the immediate past Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, is with the official Governor’s jet as being speculated in some quarters, urging Akwa Ibom people to desist from maliciously induced and baseless allegations that serve no good intent and purpose.
Reacting too, his wife, Patience, who returned from ‘official assignment’ in USA added voice to the airline thus, ‘‘We have to patronize our own, encourage our own,. It was good that I flew IbomAir. The captain and the cabin crew were good.’’
In what looked like a response to the belated publication, the Akwa Ibom State Government gave approval for Secretary to the State Government to undertake cost reduction management structure for the State Official Private Jet.
Members of the State Executive Council who gave the approval at Government House, Uyo on Monday, January 22 did not disclose the whereabouts of the jet.
A press release by Media Unit, Government House did not give details how the work would be done by the SSG.
In his write-up posted by some Whatsapp groups, Mr. Etim Etim wrote ‘‘I was therefore very surprised when I read early in the week that the governor had asked the SSG, Mr. Enobong Uwah, to determine ways in which the cost of maintaining the aircraft could be better managed.
‘‘I immediately got in touch with the SSG and asked if the story is true. ‘’Yes, it is true’’, Uwah told me, adding, ‘’as I told you earlier, the governor is going to simplify governance. He prefers to use commercial flights instead of wasting public funds on the maintenance of the state aircraft at alarming forex rates.’’
According to him, ‘‘I couldn’t believe it. A governor dumping a private jet to fly commercial just to cut costs? This is the best and most inspiring piece of news that I have heard in this country this year, and I wish to commend Gov. Eno for this altruistic, humane and bold decision. This will save the state billions of naira and reduce cost of governance. The decision also buttresses the widely-held notion that the governor is indeed a selfless, humble and caring leader.’’
The journalist penned ‘‘I asked the SSG for the details of the cost of maintaining the aircraft, but he declined. But based on my discussions with industry operators, I can speculate that with fueling, crew salaries and allowances, insurance premium, parking fees, maintenance and other incidental costs, the government spends about N300 million a month (about N4 billion per year) to keep the aircraft. The costs keep rising as the aircraft ages. That is huge.
‘‘I do not know whether the aircraft would be sold off or put up for charter as it’s being speculated. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I will wait for the government to take the best decision in the interest of the state. For now, I am just elated that the huge costs of keeping the aircraft is off our books.’’
