Embattled Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, this evening had his private jet grounded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The regulatory agency said it took the action because the operating licence of the aircraft had expired.

NCAA Acting Director General, Joyce Nkemakolam, announced the grounding of the aircraft at a press conference in the country’s economic capital, Lagos. Her speech was entitled the “Status of the controversial aircraft operated by governor Amaechi”.

Speaking on the plane which was grounded for about two hours yesterday in the Ondo State capital, Akure, for alleged non-declaration of manifest, Nkemakolam said: “The controversial aircraft on the service of Governor Rotimi Amaechi is operating illegally in the country.”

Continuing, she said: “The aircraft, a bombardier BD700, Global Express with registration no N565 RS has its clearance approval expired since Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013.

“By our records, the last flight clearance for this aircraft was approved for operation on Thursday, March 28, 2013 on Accra – PH – Accra and to terminate on April 2, 2013. With this development, the aircraft has exceeded the extra two days or 48 hours leeway for it to leave the country.”

According to the NCAA boss, “The owner of this aircraft according to the certificate of registration is Bank of Utah, trustee of Salt Lake City, Utah USA. The clearance for the aircraft was sought by Cavernton Helicopters on March 27, 2013.

“Consequently, this aircraft in reference is hereby grounded at any airport that is located right now in the country.”

Amaechi, who has been having running battles with President Goodluck Jonathan for allegedly opposing his presumed second term ambition, has yet to react to the sudden development.

The controversial brand new Bombardier Global 5000 (N565RS) – which could seen in this picture – reportedly cost $45.7 million and then it was delivered to the Rivers State Government on October 7, 2012.

Update news