What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Germany
Age: 76
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey, Neo!
I told you so! Didn't I? Or was it you told me so? My memory of all those long, meaningless conversations at the BRC Bar is a bit foggy. Anyway, yeah, Nigeria's coming apart like a North Korean suit. Aside from keeping one's head down, what is there to do about that?
You seemed a bit put out that I couldn't find anything nice to say about Nigerian current events, so that I sat here thinking long and hard. I still couldn't find anything nice to say, though. No, wait, the mangoes are coming into season! You like mangoes? You always struck me as the type that liked a cup of black coffee and a couple of fags for breakfast but maybe a nice, fresh mango would cheer you up as you face a day of go-slows, NEPA shut-downs and the odd armed insurrection or two.
Here in Germany you wouldn't believe what a mango costs! In Nigeria they just grow on trees...
When my then-new wife went to visit for the first time she sent the steward scampering up a coconut palm to bring back a couple of coconuts; she thought that was just great: free coconuts. Well, except for me possibly having to support a steward's family for life after he broke his neck falling out of a coconut tree, of course.
She still turned down a deal to live and work there as the new Julius Berger dentist. Women! Too bad it wasn't mango season; that might have clinched the deal. Our friend the 412 pilot pulling out that .38-calibre Chief's Special, when we were talking about what sort of life it was, exactly, sort of put her off the whole Nigeria thing, with no fresh mangoes to cheer her up again.
I love the sort of questions people ask, first time in Nigeria. First one, looking up a coconut palm: 'Are those coconuts?' No dear, they are giant mangoes.
Next one, looking at that .38: 'Is it loaded?' No dear, it's not loaded. Someone attacks you, you THROW it at him.
You seemed a bit put out that I couldn't find anything nice to say about Nigerian current events, so that I sat here thinking long and hard. I still couldn't find anything nice to say, though. No, wait, the mangoes are coming into season! You like mangoes? You always struck me as the type that liked a cup of black coffee and a couple of fags for breakfast but maybe a nice, fresh mango would cheer you up as you face a day of go-slows, NEPA shut-downs and the odd armed insurrection or two.
Here in Germany you wouldn't believe what a mango costs! In Nigeria they just grow on trees...
When my then-new wife went to visit for the first time she sent the steward scampering up a coconut palm to bring back a couple of coconuts; she thought that was just great: free coconuts. Well, except for me possibly having to support a steward's family for life after he broke his neck falling out of a coconut tree, of course.
She still turned down a deal to live and work there as the new Julius Berger dentist. Women! Too bad it wasn't mango season; that might have clinched the deal. Our friend the 412 pilot pulling out that .38-calibre Chief's Special, when we were talking about what sort of life it was, exactly, sort of put her off the whole Nigeria thing, with no fresh mangoes to cheer her up again.
I love the sort of questions people ask, first time in Nigeria. First one, looking up a coconut palm: 'Are those coconuts?' No dear, they are giant mangoes.
Next one, looking at that .38: 'Is it loaded?' No dear, it's not loaded. Someone attacks you, you THROW it at him.
.38 Caliber Chiefs Special????
How about an improved .50 cal mini-gun!
That would punch their ticket!
How about an improved .50 cal mini-gun!
That would punch their ticket!
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Germany
Age: 76
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, that was in the 'good old days...'
1987, to be exact. Back then the bad guys didn't usually come up with AK-47s so that a Smith & Wesson Chief's Special would trump a machete, I guess.
It was pretty funny, actually. We were sat at table, celebrating New Year's Eve at a party thrown by some Irish people near the Airport Hotel in Ikeja.
I think they were serving alcoholic beverages from what I can remember. Anyway the wife was sat there with our friend, who was flying 412s and 222s for the Police. We got onto the subject of 'crime in Nigeria' and he came up with this little, zippered leather wallet that hit the table with a thump. He opened it to show off his toy.
She asked that question, 'Is it loaded?' when we all laughed, as boys do. Then he ejected the shells and handed it to her, when she held it as if it were hot.
Later he asked her if she might like a nice ride in his helicopter, when I had to tell her that permission was refused. She was very disappointed but then she was rather new to the scene. I guess her mother never warned her about helicopter pilots.
It was pretty funny, actually. We were sat at table, celebrating New Year's Eve at a party thrown by some Irish people near the Airport Hotel in Ikeja.
I think they were serving alcoholic beverages from what I can remember. Anyway the wife was sat there with our friend, who was flying 412s and 222s for the Police. We got onto the subject of 'crime in Nigeria' and he came up with this little, zippered leather wallet that hit the table with a thump. He opened it to show off his toy.
She asked that question, 'Is it loaded?' when we all laughed, as boys do. Then he ejected the shells and handed it to her, when she held it as if it were hot.
Later he asked her if she might like a nice ride in his helicopter, when I had to tell her that permission was refused. She was very disappointed but then she was rather new to the scene. I guess her mother never warned her about helicopter pilots.
Nigerian In Law
Now Now Chuks !!
I wasn't criticising mate, it was just an observation, honestly 
After all if it wasn't for your Test Pilot mate you'd still be here, propping up the BRC bar in your usual corner and supping soda water like it was going out of fashion. You are missed, really 
By some of us, anyway.
Moves afoot here, your esteemed colleague is learning Antipodean, we have a new Area Manager (no guesses who but he's a switched on Nigerian who will be a credit to the job as was his predecessor), new Managing Pilots in Eket and Shell, it's all go. Hard to keep up sometimes.
Come back !! Your room is waiting and this time it'll be sacrosanct, no dirty helicopter pilots getting drunk, smoking and (worst of all) entertaining in there. Oh no !!
NEO
After all if it wasn't for your Test Pilot mate you'd still be here, propping up the BRC bar in your usual corner and supping soda water like it was going out of fashion. You are missed, really By some of us, anyway.Moves afoot here, your esteemed colleague is learning Antipodean, we have a new Area Manager (no guesses who but he's a switched on Nigerian who will be a credit to the job as was his predecessor), new Managing Pilots in Eket and Shell, it's all go. Hard to keep up sometimes.
Come back !! Your room is waiting and this time it'll be sacrosanct, no dirty helicopter pilots getting drunk, smoking and (worst of all) entertaining in there. Oh no !!
NEO
Last edited by Nigerian Expat Outlaw; 7th Apr 2007 at 07:23.
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Lost and Legless somewhere in LaLaLand
Age: 77
Posts: 481
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Police Strike Imminent in Nigeria
With the general elections due to start on 14th April and Presidential elections on 21st April, the Nigerian Police Force are threatening strike action in support of their grievances, including non-implementation of the last salary review and poor conditions of service. Already violence is on the increase ahead of the elections, with some candidates being barred by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and doubts over the candidacy of the leading opposition candidate, Atiku Abubakar because of different court judgements as to his eligibility to stand.
In the Delta areas a group claiming to be part of the Movement for the Emancipation for the Niger Delta (MEND), has warned against would-be gubernatorial candidates trying to rig the polls by force. This, like the release of many of the remaining hostages may just be a cynical ploy being conducted by the politicians to make themselves and their parties look good in the eyes of those few who will actually vote freely. In the Delta states the EU is not sending electoral observers because of fear for their personal safety. Violence is most likely in Port Harcourt as rival armed gangs, one of which is led by the outlaw Ateke Tom and another by Soboma George. Those of you living in Port Harcourt may recall that he was recently freed from a police station by a gang of 50 of his supporters who arrived by boat from the creeks.
Whilst this should not have any direct impact on we pilots and engineers working in PH and Warri, questions should be asked of your companies as to what extra security precautions they are taking for you during the election period. Shell is rumoured to be moving all expat staff to the RA, with all road movement being banned for at least 2 weeks.
In the Delta areas a group claiming to be part of the Movement for the Emancipation for the Niger Delta (MEND), has warned against would-be gubernatorial candidates trying to rig the polls by force. This, like the release of many of the remaining hostages may just be a cynical ploy being conducted by the politicians to make themselves and their parties look good in the eyes of those few who will actually vote freely. In the Delta states the EU is not sending electoral observers because of fear for their personal safety. Violence is most likely in Port Harcourt as rival armed gangs, one of which is led by the outlaw Ateke Tom and another by Soboma George. Those of you living in Port Harcourt may recall that he was recently freed from a police station by a gang of 50 of his supporters who arrived by boat from the creeks.
Whilst this should not have any direct impact on we pilots and engineers working in PH and Warri, questions should be asked of your companies as to what extra security precautions they are taking for you during the election period. Shell is rumoured to be moving all expat staff to the RA, with all road movement being banned for at least 2 weeks.
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Under a Palm Tree
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2 Expats Kidnapped in Port Harcourt 6 April
From what I hear one company is just having the weekend off (probably the best idea actually 
) and the other has offered no advice at all. For Caverton it probably doesn't matter anyway 
.
Two expatriates were kidnapped in Port Harcourt last night. The 2, who are Turkish, work for a company doing contract work for Agip, left their house, just 250 metres from the Presidential Hotel on their way to a meeting there, but never arrived. One report says that they were taken by armed gunmen. There doesn't seem to be any group claiming responsibility so far.
Stay off the streets unless your journey is essential (like critical illness - not going to work), keep a low profile and hope for an incident-free day.
) and the other has offered no advice at all. For Caverton it probably doesn't matter anyway .Two expatriates were kidnapped in Port Harcourt last night. The 2, who are Turkish, work for a company doing contract work for Agip, left their house, just 250 metres from the Presidential Hotel on their way to a meeting there, but never arrived. One report says that they were taken by armed gunmen. There doesn't seem to be any group claiming responsibility so far.
Stay off the streets unless your journey is essential (like critical illness - not going to work), keep a low profile and hope for an incident-free day.
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Lost and Legless somewhere in LaLaLand
Age: 77
Posts: 481
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Militants Warn Expatriates to Leave Niger Delta
I've not heard any more news of the police strike, but tomorrow should bring more news on that. The advice to stay in seems very good, though I hear that Aero now have a policy in place, while Bristow staff have had no guidance or advice so far 
.
The latest release from the militants makes the advice to stay off the streets over the next 2 weekends even more relevant as yet again a coalition of militants has said that expats should leave the Delta:
Whilst the language may be rather quaintly laughable, and there's undoubtedly an element of just trying to wind up the tension before the election, some of these press releases to come to some kind of fruition.
Merely having a MOPOL escort will offer little protection from the types of incident which can flare up so quickly at times like this. Those flying for Shell or Aero are fortunate to have some sound guidance. Bristow, as usual will probably come up with too little too late
.The latest release from the militants makes the advice to stay off the streets over the next 2 weekends even more relevant as yet again a coalition of militants has said that expats should leave the Delta:
A coalition of militants under the aegis of “Coalition of Niger Delta Forces” have issued the Federal Government with 72 hours ultimatum to withdraw all military personnel from the Niger Delta, release Alhaji Asari Dokubo and Raphael Uwazurike or they will declare a full blown war on them.
At the expiration of the time of the ultimatum, the militants also advised all foreigners to leave the Niger Delta as they could be affected in the conflagration they were going to precipitate.
They also pressed for the sack Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Maurice Iwu, who they accused of partisanship and working to favour the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and further warned that they would resort to violence against any governor in the region who attempts to rig elections.
Other demands they are making is that properties seized from leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante group, Mr. Tom Ateke, be immediately returned to him while INEC should stop disqualifying any Nigerian who wishes to contest elections.
“INEC should no longer disqualify any candidate no matter the case, any Nigerian who wants to contest any election should be given the free hand to do so since the major decision of choice of leadership lies with the masses.
“Furthermore, we demand an immediate stop of the incessant attacks on Ateke Tom of the Niger Delta vigilante and his properties that were destroyed and ceased by the government should be paid back to him.
“Asari Dokubo, and Unwazurike and all other Niger Delta freedom fighter in government custody should be immediately released.
“The Federal Government should immediately withdraw its military personnel in the region because this military are intended to be used by the government in power to rig election in the region.
“We wish to inform the government this demand are very esteem to this body and if after seventy two hours they are not considered, we advise every foreigners to leave the region for their own interest as their safety could not be guaranteed when we swing into our best actions”, they said.
The warning which the militants posted to journalists in Port Harcourt threatened to attack any interest or persons bent on derailing the democratic process and pointed at the case of Anambra to justify their call for Iwu’s removal as they alleged that he made every effort to disqualify opponents of Andy Uba to pave way for him to win without a contest.
Ikiederi Richard, Secretary, Walter Adokie, the Land Army Commander and Priye Alabo who is their Marine Commander who jointly signed the statement alleged that the INEC chairman was only working to protect the interest of those who brought him to office to the detriment of the development of politics in the country.
At the expiration of the time of the ultimatum, the militants also advised all foreigners to leave the Niger Delta as they could be affected in the conflagration they were going to precipitate.
They also pressed for the sack Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Maurice Iwu, who they accused of partisanship and working to favour the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and further warned that they would resort to violence against any governor in the region who attempts to rig elections.
Other demands they are making is that properties seized from leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante group, Mr. Tom Ateke, be immediately returned to him while INEC should stop disqualifying any Nigerian who wishes to contest elections.
“INEC should no longer disqualify any candidate no matter the case, any Nigerian who wants to contest any election should be given the free hand to do so since the major decision of choice of leadership lies with the masses.
“Furthermore, we demand an immediate stop of the incessant attacks on Ateke Tom of the Niger Delta vigilante and his properties that were destroyed and ceased by the government should be paid back to him.
“Asari Dokubo, and Unwazurike and all other Niger Delta freedom fighter in government custody should be immediately released.
“The Federal Government should immediately withdraw its military personnel in the region because this military are intended to be used by the government in power to rig election in the region.
“We wish to inform the government this demand are very esteem to this body and if after seventy two hours they are not considered, we advise every foreigners to leave the region for their own interest as their safety could not be guaranteed when we swing into our best actions”, they said.
The warning which the militants posted to journalists in Port Harcourt threatened to attack any interest or persons bent on derailing the democratic process and pointed at the case of Anambra to justify their call for Iwu’s removal as they alleged that he made every effort to disqualify opponents of Andy Uba to pave way for him to win without a contest.
Ikiederi Richard, Secretary, Walter Adokie, the Land Army Commander and Priye Alabo who is their Marine Commander who jointly signed the statement alleged that the INEC chairman was only working to protect the interest of those who brought him to office to the detriment of the development of politics in the country.
Merely having a MOPOL escort will offer little protection from the types of incident which can flare up so quickly at times like this. Those flying for Shell or Aero are fortunate to have some sound guidance. Bristow, as usual will probably come up with too little too late
http://www.shephard.co.uk/Rotorhub/D...1-68be03e4bb24
CHC to start AW139 operations in Nigeria soon
CHC Nigeria are expecting the first of two AW139s this week, after it cleared Customs at Milan's Malpensa airport on Friday 6th at the start of a long ferry flight. Registered 5N-BJC and 5N-BJD, the 70th and 72nd examples off the production line are expected to join the operational offshore support fleet in the West African country in the near future.
Source: Rotorhub.com editorial team
CHC Nigeria are expecting the first of two AW139s this week, after it cleared Customs at Milan's Malpensa airport on Friday 6th at the start of a long ferry flight. Registered 5N-BJC and 5N-BJD, the 70th and 72nd examples off the production line are expected to join the operational offshore support fleet in the West African country in the near future.
Source: Rotorhub.com editorial team
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Lagos
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CHC already operate an AW139, 5N-BJB for the Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili. One of the new AW139s will be for Agip and the other for the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company for flights from Bonny, it being too dangerous to travel to Bonny bu boat any more. This will be another blow to Caverton who were talking of operating an AW139 for NLNG, especially after their fiasco with the LET410 fixed wing operation to Bonny. A South African registered Cessna Caravan now appears to be doing this. The new AW139s have the new larger capacity battery and an increase in permissible baggage weight. CHC are operating NNPCs 365N2 for NLNG at present. This addition of even more new helicopters to their Nigerian fleet is in sharp contrast to Bristow in PH, with just one S76C+, a tired old S76A++ and a Bell 407.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jankara
Age: 64
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BDHC Travel Warning, Nigerian Elections
The British Deputy High Commission in Lagos has issued a security bulletin, and I'd guess that most of the foreign embassies will have issued something similar:
• Throughout Nigeria there will be a heightened risk of political and criminal violence on the election days and on the few days before and after the elections (12-16 April and 19-23 April 2007). You should be extra-vigilant during these periods. Localised unrest is likely and the security situation may deteriorate rapidly in the vicinity of election rallies and polling stations. Minimise local travel and stay close to home, especially after dark. Avoid bars and restaurants. The Nigerian government has banned all road travel between 0700 and 1700 on 14 April. You should observe the ban and remain alert to a possible extension.
I guess that's why although the Shell contract staff are all in 'lockdown' with no road movement, for the rest of Aero and Bristow it's business as usual. For those having to travel to or from work tomorrow and the following weekend, be extra vigilant as although the embassies sometimes seem rather out of touch, the warning about how quickly the security situation can deteriorate in the vicinity of election rallies is all too true. Insist that if you have to go to work your company provides an adequate level of security. Try sending an e-mail so you get a reply. If this is less than satisfactory and some mishap befalls you, take your tight-fisted employer to court and sue him for every $$$ you can for failing his duty of care towards you
From what I hear, it's actually expected to be a relatively calm period, but the danger will come in the weeks after the Presidential election on April 21. Let's hope all is calm and quiet and there's a smooth handover from the incumbent bunch of crooks, to the new load of robbers
• Throughout Nigeria there will be a heightened risk of political and criminal violence on the election days and on the few days before and after the elections (12-16 April and 19-23 April 2007). You should be extra-vigilant during these periods. Localised unrest is likely and the security situation may deteriorate rapidly in the vicinity of election rallies and polling stations. Minimise local travel and stay close to home, especially after dark. Avoid bars and restaurants. The Nigerian government has banned all road travel between 0700 and 1700 on 14 April. You should observe the ban and remain alert to a possible extension.
I guess that's why although the Shell contract staff are all in 'lockdown' with no road movement, for the rest of Aero and Bristow it's business as usual. For those having to travel to or from work tomorrow and the following weekend, be extra vigilant as although the embassies sometimes seem rather out of touch, the warning about how quickly the security situation can deteriorate in the vicinity of election rallies is all too true. Insist that if you have to go to work your company provides an adequate level of security. Try sending an e-mail so you get a reply. If this is less than satisfactory and some mishap befalls you, take your tight-fisted employer to court and sue him for every $$$ you can for failing his duty of care towards you
From what I hear, it's actually expected to be a relatively calm period, but the danger will come in the weeks after the Presidential election on April 21. Let's hope all is calm and quiet and there's a smooth handover from the incumbent bunch of crooks, to the new load of robbers
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Lost and Legless somewhere in LaLaLand
Age: 77
Posts: 481
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CHC Gets New AW139 in Nigeria
CHC's first AW139 in Nigeria (they already operate one for the Governor of Rivers State) arrived in Port Harcourt today, after a ferry flight from the factory in Italy. The new aircraft 5N-BJC is the first to sport the CHC corporate colour scheme and will probably go on contract to Agip. Another one is expected by the end of the month for NLNG, along with another SA365N3. The new CHC hangar at the Port Harcourt NAF Base is sprouting some roof beams now and looks as if it will be bigger than their present one. This is all happening at the same time as Bristow seem to have shelved their expansion plans at the NAF Base and are considerably downsizing there. Bristow seem to be expanding their ramp parking area, but their rebuilt passenger terminal is still not in use. Has one of the companies got some information the other doesn't, or is it indicative of changes in fortune of the two competitors?
Caverton has now got its red Dauphin 5N-BIK flying again, crewed by another pilot who recently quit Aero (and Bristow), but they seem to have only that and their AS350BA flying occasionally. The shell of their hangar is there and maybe some of the revenue they are getting from Virgin Nigeria for the use of their passenger terminal and ramp will pay for that to be finished. Since the sale of their A109E they seem to have no corporate identity, with all their helicopters being painted in different colours. Despite recent advertisements in Flight magazine, they seem to have no real direction and few pilots who have been there for more than a few months. Their change in Operations Manager seems to have made little difference to their crewing problems and as a Nigerian owned company they may well be affected more than others by the outcome of the elections, as so much business in Nigeria is as a result of who you know. Doubtless their directors will be backing several horses in the race! At least their website is now under maintenance, so maybe they'll get rid of all the photos of the A109 and all the references to what a great, state-of-the-art machine it is (after all, it must be 8 months now since they got rid of it!).
It's strange that with so many new helicopters arriving, CHC is actually losing pilots to Bristow at the moment. Since Bristow changed from a 7/5 roster to a 6/6 roster a few months ago, a number of pilots have moved across to them. It can't be for the helicopters as the CHC fleet is considerably newer overall, CHC offers better fringe benefits and although the pay with Bristow is presently a little better, it's scarcely worth changing companies for. So what's making pilots change over (whilst engineers are moving the other way)? Maybe it's the different management style of the 2 companies?
There are rumours of management changes in the pipeline at CHC and Bristow is in the process of a significant reshuffle, with the movement of the former General Manager West Africa to a new position on the North Sea - congratulations to Akin Oni on a well-deserved promotion This has led to a new GM and new Managing Pilots in Port Harcourt and Eket.
Doubtless both companies are awaiting the outcome of next month's Presidential elections to see if the new president will bring about any new changes for the better or, as is widely expected, it will be business as usual
There's also another big problem for both companies (and the helicopter industry in Nigeria in general) as the NCAA is threatening to ban any pilot over the age of 60 flying in command (despite the new ICAO increase to 65). By year's end the 2 companies will probably have close to 25-30 pilots over the age of 60 and it will not be possible to replace them with pilots with the qualifications required by many client oil companies in just a few months. Unless the NCAA has a change of heart, many of these new helicopters may be sitting in the hangar with no crews 
Caverton has now got its red Dauphin 5N-BIK flying again, crewed by another pilot who recently quit Aero (and Bristow), but they seem to have only that and their AS350BA flying occasionally. The shell of their hangar is there and maybe some of the revenue they are getting from Virgin Nigeria for the use of their passenger terminal and ramp will pay for that to be finished. Since the sale of their A109E they seem to have no corporate identity, with all their helicopters being painted in different colours. Despite recent advertisements in Flight magazine, they seem to have no real direction and few pilots who have been there for more than a few months. Their change in Operations Manager seems to have made little difference to their crewing problems and as a Nigerian owned company they may well be affected more than others by the outcome of the elections, as so much business in Nigeria is as a result of who you know. Doubtless their directors will be backing several horses in the race! At least their website is now under maintenance, so maybe they'll get rid of all the photos of the A109 and all the references to what a great, state-of-the-art machine it is (after all, it must be 8 months now since they got rid of it!).
It's strange that with so many new helicopters arriving, CHC is actually losing pilots to Bristow at the moment. Since Bristow changed from a 7/5 roster to a 6/6 roster a few months ago, a number of pilots have moved across to them. It can't be for the helicopters as the CHC fleet is considerably newer overall, CHC offers better fringe benefits and although the pay with Bristow is presently a little better, it's scarcely worth changing companies for. So what's making pilots change over (whilst engineers are moving the other way)? Maybe it's the different management style of the 2 companies?
There are rumours of management changes in the pipeline at CHC and Bristow is in the process of a significant reshuffle, with the movement of the former General Manager West Africa to a new position on the North Sea - congratulations to Akin Oni on a well-deserved promotion
This has led to a new GM and new Managing Pilots in Port Harcourt and Eket. Doubtless both companies are awaiting the outcome of next month's Presidential elections to see if the new president will bring about any new changes for the better or, as is widely expected, it will be business as usual
There's also another big problem for both companies (and the helicopter industry in Nigeria in general) as the NCAA is threatening to ban any pilot over the age of 60 flying in command (despite the new ICAO increase to 65). By year's end the 2 companies will probably have close to 25-30 pilots over the age of 60 and it will not be possible to replace them with pilots with the qualifications required by many client oil companies in just a few months. Unless the NCAA has a change of heart, many of these new helicopters may be sitting in the hangar with no crews
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jankara
Age: 64
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nigerian Elections off to a Fiery Start
It seems that what I heard from Nigerian friends about the elections being fairly quiet has not been borne out by the facts.
The state gubernatorial elections here have already started with violence and killing in Port Harcourt. In the early hours of this morning there was a lot of shooting at Elelenwo as the police station there was attacked and razed by militants. They then moved on to the Mini Okoro divisional police baracks, not too far from the Shell RA, attacked the station and razed it. It's believed that a lot of prisoners were released, 7 policemen killed and 3 female police officers taken hostage. In a militant attack on JTF personnel 3 were wounded and their weapons stolen. There are also reports in the local press of 3 politicians being killed in Bayelsa State today.
Several hours after voting was due to start, there are reports of a complete absence of ballot forms in most polling stations in Port Harcourt and bands of armed thugs already on the streets ready to coerce voters or frighten them into not going to the polls.
Best advice is to stay off the streets all day today and think twice about making any journey tomorrow unless you really need to and have a strong escort for protection.
The state gubernatorial elections here have already started with violence and killing in Port Harcourt. In the early hours of this morning there was a lot of shooting at Elelenwo as the police station there was attacked and razed by militants. They then moved on to the Mini Okoro divisional police baracks, not too far from the Shell RA, attacked the station and razed it. It's believed that a lot of prisoners were released, 7 policemen killed and 3 female police officers taken hostage. In a militant attack on JTF personnel 3 were wounded and their weapons stolen. There are also reports in the local press of 3 politicians being killed in Bayelsa State today.
Several hours after voting was due to start, there are reports of a complete absence of ballot forms in most polling stations in Port Harcourt and bands of armed thugs already on the streets ready to coerce voters or frighten them into not going to the polls.
Best advice is to stay off the streets all day today and think twice about making any journey tomorrow unless you really need to and have a strong escort for protection.
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: In the Haven of Peace
Age: 79
Posts: 600
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MP,
I live near one of the locations you're talking about and can confirm that the police atations were attacked. Many of my Nigerian friends say they're too frightened to leave their houses today because of the thugs who are trying to rig the vote
Still, the stability of Africa's most populous nation pass by the watchers of Sky News as their headlines are far more concerned with the split between Prince William and Kate Middleton
I live near one of the locations you're talking about and can confirm that the police atations were attacked. Many of my Nigerian friends say they're too frightened to leave their houses today because of the thugs who are trying to rig the vote
Still, the stability of Africa's most populous nation pass by the watchers of Sky News as their headlines are far more concerned with the split between Prince William and Kate Middleton
Last edited by soggyboxers; 14th Apr 2007 at 10:15.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jankara
Age: 64
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Port Harcourt has still not quietened down and there are extensive reports of armed intimidation of voters and theft of ballot papers and voting materials. According to Sahara Reporters, there is more evidence that the 2 days of public holidays declared by the President were to stop the Supreme Court meeting and ruling that Atiku Abubakar can stand in next weekend's Presidential elections.
fear of the justices of the Supreme Court was primarily responsible for the urgent act by the regime to stave of defeat in a lawsuit filed by Alhaji Abuabakar Atiku to force the Independent National Electoral Commission to include Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the ballot in the upcoming presidential elections.
Since last week, following series of defeat in the courts and serious international pressure some elements at the presidency had approached Abubakar Atiku to seek “peace” between him and President Obasanjo, apparently, this was a decoy to prevent Atiku Abubakar from forming any alliance with ANPP presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari hence Atiku had refused to attend an opposition leaders meeting convened by Buhari to create a grand alliance against president Obasanjo and the much hated People's Democratic Party (PDP).
Sources told Saharareporters that Atiku had asked that Buhari postpone the meetings from Wednesday to Thursday, but gave no reasons for requesting the shift, but the "negotiating team" from the presidency overheard Atiku bragging that he didn't want to attend the Buhari parley because he had assurances from the Supreme Court that they will rule in his favor, which automatically means that he will feature as a presidential candidate for the Action Congress (AC).
The presidency was shocked about the development and quickly decided to declare two days of public holidays in order to prevent the Supreme Court justices from meeting to deliver a judgment that would force Obasanjo to negotiate with Atiku.
Saharareporters learnt that Atiku is disposed to negotiating with Obasanjo and entering an agreement not to probe him in case he allowed to run in the elections since, according to sources involved, he is sure of victory at the polls.
He is said to have regaled Obasanjo’s team with tales of the mental instability of Alhaji Umar Yar’adua , who is said to suffer from mood swings, and also had a history of mental disorders in addition to a potentially deadly kidney disease that led to a medical emergency that almost ended his presidential run recently.
Apart from the Supreme Court case against the INEC, the public holidays were declared to save other PDP gubernatorial candidates whose cases were up for decision at various courts between Thursday and Friday, they include: Alao-Akala who faced disqualification due to a state panel indictment.
Ondo State governorship candidate, Dr. Agagu who was facing an ineligibility case filed against him by Ondo State indigenes over his indictment by Justice Nwazorta’s panel which indicted Olusegun Agagu for embezzling $3.2 at the Nigeria Airways.
Lagos state candidate, Musiliu Obanikoro, who faces ineligibility lawsuits by Lagos State AC for fraudulent declaration of age and presenting fake names, identities that doesn’t conform with his history as reported by Saharareporters earlier in the week.
There is also the cases of Emmanuel Andy Uba, PDP’s candidate in Anambra State whose case over certificate forgery was appealed by Greg Ikemefuna, and those cases of Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Ararume in Imo And Rivers States respectively are the major reason why the PDP leadership agreed with President Obasanjo to shut down public institutions for two days in order to stall the opposition.
Also in Abuja today, al the general managers of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) were called to an emergency meeting with Presidency officials where they have been warned not to report anything negative about the elections, in particular they were asked not to report any cases of violence, thuggery, death or injuries to persons during and immediately after of the elections, the National Television Authority (NTA) will also be attending a special meeting in this respect.
Soldiers have already been deployed by the government to intimidate voters before the Election Day. In Lagos, the Inspector General of Police recently redeployed a new commissioner of police to the state that was a week after an officer said to be unwilling to do a dirty job was removed.
The new commissioner, Mr. Bashir Azeez was the former commissioner of police in Ekiti State under Governor Fayose (now a fugitive from law) who was instrumental to the perpetration of violence against the opposition while Mr. Fayose maintained a killer squad in the state. Mr. Omotunde Omojola was killed under Mr. Bashir Azeez’s watch as the commissioner of police in Ekiti State.
He was redeployed to the police headquarters on administrative duties until last week when he was pulled out to come to Lagos apparently to help rig the elections in a state where the president’s party faces serious opposition.
Since last week, following series of defeat in the courts and serious international pressure some elements at the presidency had approached Abubakar Atiku to seek “peace” between him and President Obasanjo, apparently, this was a decoy to prevent Atiku Abubakar from forming any alliance with ANPP presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari hence Atiku had refused to attend an opposition leaders meeting convened by Buhari to create a grand alliance against president Obasanjo and the much hated People's Democratic Party (PDP).
Sources told Saharareporters that Atiku had asked that Buhari postpone the meetings from Wednesday to Thursday, but gave no reasons for requesting the shift, but the "negotiating team" from the presidency overheard Atiku bragging that he didn't want to attend the Buhari parley because he had assurances from the Supreme Court that they will rule in his favor, which automatically means that he will feature as a presidential candidate for the Action Congress (AC).
The presidency was shocked about the development and quickly decided to declare two days of public holidays in order to prevent the Supreme Court justices from meeting to deliver a judgment that would force Obasanjo to negotiate with Atiku.
Saharareporters learnt that Atiku is disposed to negotiating with Obasanjo and entering an agreement not to probe him in case he allowed to run in the elections since, according to sources involved, he is sure of victory at the polls.
He is said to have regaled Obasanjo’s team with tales of the mental instability of Alhaji Umar Yar’adua , who is said to suffer from mood swings, and also had a history of mental disorders in addition to a potentially deadly kidney disease that led to a medical emergency that almost ended his presidential run recently.
Apart from the Supreme Court case against the INEC, the public holidays were declared to save other PDP gubernatorial candidates whose cases were up for decision at various courts between Thursday and Friday, they include: Alao-Akala who faced disqualification due to a state panel indictment.
Ondo State governorship candidate, Dr. Agagu who was facing an ineligibility case filed against him by Ondo State indigenes over his indictment by Justice Nwazorta’s panel which indicted Olusegun Agagu for embezzling $3.2 at the Nigeria Airways.
Lagos state candidate, Musiliu Obanikoro, who faces ineligibility lawsuits by Lagos State AC for fraudulent declaration of age and presenting fake names, identities that doesn’t conform with his history as reported by Saharareporters earlier in the week.
There is also the cases of Emmanuel Andy Uba, PDP’s candidate in Anambra State whose case over certificate forgery was appealed by Greg Ikemefuna, and those cases of Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Ararume in Imo And Rivers States respectively are the major reason why the PDP leadership agreed with President Obasanjo to shut down public institutions for two days in order to stall the opposition.
Also in Abuja today, al the general managers of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) were called to an emergency meeting with Presidency officials where they have been warned not to report anything negative about the elections, in particular they were asked not to report any cases of violence, thuggery, death or injuries to persons during and immediately after of the elections, the National Television Authority (NTA) will also be attending a special meeting in this respect.
Soldiers have already been deployed by the government to intimidate voters before the Election Day. In Lagos, the Inspector General of Police recently redeployed a new commissioner of police to the state that was a week after an officer said to be unwilling to do a dirty job was removed.
The new commissioner, Mr. Bashir Azeez was the former commissioner of police in Ekiti State under Governor Fayose (now a fugitive from law) who was instrumental to the perpetration of violence against the opposition while Mr. Fayose maintained a killer squad in the state. Mr. Omotunde Omojola was killed under Mr. Bashir Azeez’s watch as the commissioner of police in Ekiti State.
He was redeployed to the police headquarters on administrative duties until last week when he was pulled out to come to Lagos apparently to help rig the elections in a state where the president’s party faces serious opposition.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Polls closed in presidential election:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6577041.stm
Meanwhile I understand that there was a robbery on Transocean's Trident 8 drilling for Conoil off Brass yesterday, six wounded.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6577041.stm
Meanwhile I understand that there was a robbery on Transocean's Trident 8 drilling for Conoil off Brass yesterday, six wounded.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jankara
Age: 64
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Delta Developments
This weekend has seen the annulled elections in a number of states in the Niger Delta being re-run. The only noticeable difference from those of 3 weeks ago is that altough there was less overt violence and killing on the day, there was just as much voter intimidation and vote rigging and the results will be just the same and still lacking in any credibility . What a waste of time. The new President will lack any real international credibility as his regime is of dubious legitimacy after widespread poll rigging and voter intimidation.
The steady drift away of CHC pilots is continuing, with more having resigned, never to return, or moving just down the ramp to Bristow. It's funny because Bristow has none of the smart new helicopters, large new hangars or copious amounts of nice new ground equipment that CHC has. I guess it's just down to the larger salary (I've heard up to US$1,0000 a month more), same salary every month, disillusionment with the upper management in Vancouver or housing. It's a bit ironic, that last year, nobody really wanted to go to Bristow and that there were quite a few posts on here about dodgy Woji and the imminent move to the Death Camp by CHC. Now, all the Bristow crews in Port Harcourt live in good housing, but CHC are still showing everyone wonderful architects' impressions of how the death camp will be transformed into the 'Tropical Paradise'. Knowing how long things really take here, I predict that it's at least 2 to 3 years away and that they'll continue living in the same run-down housing with CHC reluctant to invest anything on a place they've commited to leave. They're also having continuing problems with management refusal to have a proper 42/32 roster, which will probably cost them a few more pilots before anything is done.
Strangely, it's probably not due to anything Bristow has done, except for a bit of a hike in salary. Their own staff are unequally compensated for different rosters, particularly those on 8/4 or 5/1 rosters, which probably accounts for the low uptake of staff for 8/4 rosters and the number of those now on 5/1 saying they will change to 6/6 if nothing is done to improve matters. Knowing the lethargy of Bristow management, this will not happen They seem to be investing little in new equipment and engineering staff are struggling to keep elderly airframes serviceable with inadequate spares and ground equipment. I guess that the now American management are happy that they're running a lean, mean operation and they certainly must be making far more profit than CHC (for as long as they can keep the contracts they have with the machinery they have).
CHC are now talking about a further salary hike and with the overseas management of both companies being faceless, uncaring bean-counters, with all the personality of a sea-slug, the loyalty of most staff is only to the next pay cheque. The old days of loyalty to real men like Alan Bristow, Bob Schreiner et al are long gone and pilots are far more willing to change jobs more frequently for a few hundred dollars a month increase. The increasing world-wide shortage of experienced, qualified helicopter pilots; the increasing number of pilots over the age of 60 in Nigeria; the uncertainty as to what will happen with a new government may well lead to some interesting times ahead in the Niger Delta during the remainder of 2007.
. What a waste of time. The new President will lack any real international credibility as his regime is of dubious legitimacy after widespread poll rigging and voter intimidation.The steady drift away of CHC pilots is continuing, with more having resigned, never to return, or moving just down the ramp to Bristow. It's funny because Bristow has none of the smart new helicopters, large new hangars or copious amounts of nice new ground equipment that CHC has. I guess it's just down to the larger salary (I've heard up to US$1,0000 a month more), same salary every month, disillusionment with the upper management in Vancouver or housing. It's a bit ironic, that last year, nobody really wanted to go to Bristow and that there were quite a few posts on here about dodgy Woji and the imminent move to the Death Camp by CHC. Now, all the Bristow crews in Port Harcourt live in good housing, but CHC are still showing everyone wonderful architects' impressions of how the death camp will be transformed into the 'Tropical Paradise'. Knowing how long things really take here, I predict that it's at least 2 to 3 years away and that they'll continue living in the same run-down housing with CHC reluctant to invest anything on a place they've commited to leave. They're also having continuing problems with management refusal to have a proper 42/32 roster, which will probably cost them a few more pilots before anything is done.
Strangely, it's probably not due to anything Bristow has done, except for a bit of a hike in salary. Their own staff are unequally compensated for different rosters, particularly those on 8/4 or 5/1 rosters, which probably accounts for the low uptake of staff for 8/4 rosters and the number of those now on 5/1 saying they will change to 6/6 if nothing is done to improve matters. Knowing the lethargy of Bristow management, this will not happen
They seem to be investing little in new equipment and engineering staff are struggling to keep elderly airframes serviceable with inadequate spares and ground equipment. I guess that the now American management are happy that they're running a lean, mean operation and they certainly must be making far more profit than CHC (for as long as they can keep the contracts they have with the machinery they have).CHC are now talking about a further salary hike and with the overseas management of both companies being faceless, uncaring bean-counters, with all the personality of a sea-slug, the loyalty of most staff is only to the next pay cheque. The old days of loyalty to real men like Alan Bristow, Bob Schreiner et al are long gone and pilots are far more willing to change jobs more frequently for a few hundred dollars a month increase. The increasing world-wide shortage of experienced, qualified helicopter pilots; the increasing number of pilots over the age of 60 in Nigeria; the uncertainty as to what will happen with a new government may well lead to some interesting times ahead in the Niger Delta during the remainder of 2007.
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Lost and Legless somewhere in LaLaLand
Age: 77
Posts: 481
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another Aw 139 Arrives For Chc
Well, maybe some pilots are leaving CHC for Bristow for a few more shekels, but pay rises come and pay rises go. The only place to go right now is to CHC in Nigeria if you want to fly some of the newest helicopters (and fixed wings) around. Their newest AW139, 5N-BJD, just arrived in NAF Base today, and very nice it looks too! I hear that there may be another on the way soon, along with another SA365N3. You'd need to be well compensated to fly in some of Bristows tired, gutless, old S76A++s and Bell 412s. I'm surprised any oil company will accept them when there are nice shiny new AW139s and 365N3s around. Once enough passengers have experienced the room available in the AW139 cabin, and the single engine performance is appreciated by auditors when looking at the safety case, Bristow may wish they'd bitten the bullet and ordered a few as oil companies start asking questions about availability from the market leader for the 139. Forthcoming upgrades in MAUM, plus improvements in baggage capacity and the electrical system which are already in place would seem to ensure that the 139 will have a growing place in the Nigerian aviation market
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Er what about the 6 brand new HUMS, TCAS 1 & EGPWS equipped 412EPs delievered last year, all the new S76C+s imported in the last 2 years and even the now 'old' 6 EC155s they operate. Or is reality just to inconvenient if its other than at the NAF base.
Don't recall the EC-155s having TCAS or EGPWS. "Merde, sacre bleu!"