*Sets up panel to probe bullet-proof cars
President Goodluck Jonathan has made up his mind to sack Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, a source close to the President has revealed.
The source who spoke on the conditions of anonymity, said since the controversy over the buying of bullet proof cars started, efforts by Princess Oduah to pacify the President have been unsuccessful. “She has made several efforts to seek the understanding of the President on the matter, but the President has reportedly rebuffed her and has instead told her to resign honourably, because his administration was determined to stamp out corruption.”
Reminded that a panel had already been set up to probe the purchase of the cars, our source said: “What panel? What do you think will be the outcome of the panel? The President has already prepared her mind that she is going, regardless of the outcome of the panel. Did anybody tell you the outcome of the panel that probed Festus Odimegwu. Look the woman knows she is already out of the system, and she has been told so.”
It would be recalled that following the controversy that trailed the purchase of two BMW Li Series armoured cars by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), President Jonathan on Wednesday set up a three-man Administrative Panel of Inquiry on the matter.
The panel is to find out if due process was followed in the procurement process, as well as the purpose for which the cars were bought. The two bullet-proof cars were said to have been purchased for about N250 million.
The committee is headed by the immediate past Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Sali Bello Isa while members are the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and Air Vice Marshal Dick Iruenebere.
Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, who briefed State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, said the panel has two weeks to complete its assignment.
Abati said: “President Goodluck Jonathan has taken the initial step of asking the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah for explanations and that is in public domain. But also President Jonathan has also today taken a step further and you will 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 incidental 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) is a member, AVM Dick Iruenebere (rtd). 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 may be 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 is not true as some people have been alleging that no action has been taken,” Abati said.