Aviation crisis: Oduah linked with new cars’ scandal

The Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah who has been in the news over the purchase of N255 bullet-proof cars has been linked to another transaction scandal.

Oduah has again been strongly linked to the approval of the purchase of two Lexus Limousine cars and two Toyota Prado jeeps.

The Minister who has been given till Wednesday (today) to appear before the House Committee on Aviation which is currently investigating the purchase of the two BMW bullet-proof cars may risk arrest if she fails to honour the House’s invitation.

However, during the sitting by the Senate Committee on Aviation which is probing the crisis in the Aviation industry, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria , Mr. George Uriesi, had disclosed that the Lexus Limousine cars and Toyota Prado jeeps were still with an unnamed bank.

Having disclosed that the limousines were bought for N60m each , Uriesi denied having details of the cost of the Prado jeeps.

He had disclosed further an unnamed bank that financed the purchase of the vehicles, hence he had no full details.

The FAAN boss further explained that though the Aviation Minister gave the approval, someone whom he did not mention signed on his (Uriesi) behalf.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Mr. Hope Uzodinma, had vehemently blamed him for receiving approval from the Minister and not from the Federal Executive Council.

He was finally asked to appear before the House with all documents relating to the transaction on Monday for further investigation.

The panel is expected to also inspect the N255m bullet-proof cars parked at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as part of its investigation.