President Goodluck Jonathan has set up a three-man panel to probe the purchase of N255 million two armoured BMW cars for the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.
The Presidency has come under intense criticism from Nigerians and opposition political parties after the scandal was unraveled. The ministry of Aviation also accused the opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC of behind the scandal.
Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity Dr Reuben Abati who disclosed this in Abuja today while addressing State House correspondents added that panel would be headed by by the immediate past Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Sali Bello, the National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dakusi (rtd) and AVM Dick Iruenebere (rtd) as members.
According to Abati, the panel is expected to submit its report in two weeks’ time.
The panel’s assignment, he explained, is to find out whether the procurement process of the vehicles followed due process and the purpose for which the vehicles were procured as well as inquire into any other instrumental matter.
He said the president would like to assure the general public that there would be no sacred cow in the course of the investigation.
Abati, however, kept a sealed lip on whether Oduah would step aside while the panel carries out the investigation.
“President Goodluck Jonathan has taken the initial step of asking the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, for explanations, and that is in the public domain…But also, President Jonathan has also today taken a step further, and you’ll probably be the first set of Nigerians to hear this, by setting up a three-man administrative panel of inquiry.
“This panel has the assignment to investigate whether the procurement process with regards to this armoured vehicles follow due process. This three-man panel is also to find out the purpose to which the vehicles were procured and then to inquire into any other instrumental matter.
“This three-man panel is to be chaired by the immediate former Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Sali Bello, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dakusi (rtd) and AVM Dick Iruenebere (rtd) are members. The secretariat of the panel which is expected to submit its reports within two weeks will be provided by the office the NSA.
“Let me assure you that President Jonathan will like to assure the general public that nobody no matter how highly placed will be shielded or exempted from this inquiry that he has directed and that appropriate action will be taken against any person or persons who maybe found guilty of misconduct or misappropriation of public funds either in this respect or in any other respect. Indeed, Mr. President considers this very weighty matter and that it is not true as some people have been alleging that no action has been taken.
“Well, I’ve just announced to you what I was asked to announce that a panel of inquiry has been set up. This panel will address all the relevant questions and advise Mr. President accordingly within two weeks”.
