In the statement read:, “It should be noted that the coalition of FCAN, AAPE and NATCA are willing to stop all civil flights operations into and originating from Rivers State at short notice and for up to three months if the remanded pilots are not released forthwith and tendered an unreserved apology for making them targets
“We view this action as flagrant violation of their individual rights, usurpation of powers and wrongful exercise of enabling status
“Apart from being particularly concerned about the obvious misuse of executive powers as exhibited by the Government of Rivers State without recourse to the subsisting legislation under which the arrested pilots undertake their professional assignments, we are also gravely concerned about the welfare of these pilots and their dependants back home who, no doubt, must have been in intense psychological stress
We, therefore, through this medium, urge the relevant Federal Government authorities to, as a matter of urgency interfere and ensure immediate release of the pilots”
