BMW SCANDAL: PANEL INDICTS ODUAH,NCAA

The House of Representatives Committee, investigating the controversial purchase of two bulletproof BMW cars by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority allegedly for Oduah, at a whopping N255m, had established some infractions against the Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. 

The Onyejeocha –led committee concluded that “at least four issues are no longer disputable.”Namely: “extra-budgetary spending”, second is “approval beyond ministerial limit,” “violation of public procurement procedures” and the panel confirmed that “indeed, N255m was spent to buy two bulletproof BMW cars and the use of waivers meant for EKO Games to import the cars.”

According to the sources, it was gathered that the committee tried to remain focused on its core mandate and not to veer off into other allegations that might have been leveled against the Ministry of Aviation.

The source said, “Some infractions have been established, no doubt. But the recommendations of the committee will follow glaring issues that came up during the public hearing, example is that , ‘’it has been established that while the National Assembly approved N240m for the NCAA to buy 25 vehicles this year, it spent over N643m to procure 54 vehicles.’’ and “That is a case of extra-budgetary spending.’’

“We have heard the minister admitting that she acted on a proposal for lease financing of N564m.

“Whether she was not properly guided as she told the committee or not, what is clear is that the figure is above the N100m that a ministerial board can approve.

“What role did the Bureau of Public Procurement play in this transaction? No role at all; another infraction.

“The BPP came here to testify and they told us that there was no communication between them and the NCAA over the transaction.”

Mr. Zakari Mohammed, a member of the committee confirmed that  the report could be laid today.

Oduah, who is scheduled to appear before the Senate on Wednesday sought a last-minute permission to attend the weekly FEC meeting.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has interrogated five top officials of the NCAA  over the  N255m car scandal. 

The commission would also look into some transactions by    the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria.

The source said, “The commission interrogated a team from Coscharis Motors on Tuesday. We have quizzed five top officials of the NCAA.

“The commission is not stopping with the NCAA, our investigators will also interrogate some officials of FAAN.”

Source:punch.ng