In a Friday statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu expressed his “deepest sympathies” to the families of those lost, affirming his solidarity with the grieving parties.
This was contained in a statement titled, “President Tinubu Commiserates with the NNPC Board and Families of Victims Onboard the Helicopter in Port-Harcourt.”
Tinubu directed an “intensification of search and rescue operations” to locate any remaining passengers or evidence following the tragic incident involving the East Winds Aviation helicopter, registered as 5NBQG.
The helicopter, hired by NNPC Limited, was “ferrying contract staff” to the FPSO—NUIMS ANTAN facility when it crashed into the Atlantic on Thursday.
To ensure comprehensive support, Tinubu has “urged military officers involved in various operations in the zone to join the rescue mission,” ensuring collaboration with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other agencies crucial to recovery and investigation efforts.
According to the statement, his directive underscores the government’s dedication to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the accident and providing closure to those affected.
Credit: Punch
