N255M BULLETPROOF CARS: EFCC, ICPC MAY STEP IN Indications emerged yesterday that the two leading anti-corruption agencies in the country, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) may soon begin investigations and a possible prosecution of the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah over the purchase of two bullet-proof BMW cars worth N255 million. Already, Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana has sent a petition to the EFCC with a seven-day ultimatum to investigate the allegation. The leading anti-corruption agencies yesterday told Saturday Sun that they’re following the events, but maintained that it was too early for them to respond. They, however, didn’t disclose when an investigation or prosecution will be carried out. The two bullet-proof BMW cars were reportedly bought for the embattled minister in August at the cost of N255 million by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). In separate interviews with Saturday Sun, the spokesmen of EFCC and ICPC, Wilson Uwujaren and Folu Olamiti said the anti-corruption agencies are not in the habit of reacting to events such as this. “I know what you’re talking about, but we’ve no comment yet. We are following the events,” ICPC spokesman, Olamiti told Saturday Sun during a phone chat. In the same vein, the Anti-Corruption Network, a civil society group in Abuja, has threatened to drag the minister before a competent court next week if she fails to resign or explain to Nigerians the source of the money used in purchasing the cars. The group’s executive secretary and former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye further warned that if she fails to heed their demands after 72 hours, his group will mobilise Nigerians and stage a massive protest against her. He said: “We are surprised that at a time when the Federal Government cannot pay ASUU, a minister under President Goodluck Jonathan is buying a car of that amount. The first question to ask is this: is the money spent in buying the cars appropriated by the National Assembly? Our preliminary investigation shows that it was not budgeted for. “It is either her agency is under-declaring the IGR she generates or a kick-back from the remodelling of the airports. We want to know where she got the money from. “If it were to be during Obasanjo or Yar’Adua, the minister would have been fired. We are waiting to see what the president will do as well as the National Assembly. “We are giving the minister 72 hours to resign and refund the money spent to the government coffers. Failure to do so, we will mobilise Nigerians to protest against this abuse of office. Meanwhile, the NCAA at a press conference addressed by its MD, Fola Akinkiotu said that the cars were not meant for the minister alone but for other official use by her ministry and other foreign aviation experts. Source: Sun
Posted on: Sat, 19 Oct 2013 06:04:30 +0000
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