FG Backs Aviation Minster's Bullet Proof Jeeps Purchase..Go After Source Of Story

Nigeria’s Aviation Ministry may have decided to go after its official that allegedly leaked the information of the purchase of two armoured vehicles for the minister, Stella Oduah. This was hinted by Folayele Akinkuotu, the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, at a press conference at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. Mr. Akinkuotu said Nicholas Edwards, a staff of the ministry who allegedly leaked the information to journalists, is now on the run. He also condemned the leak that exposed the purchase of the two armoured cars for N255 million. He said the two vehicles, purchased for N255 million, are meant to serve both the Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, and aviation-related foreign dignitaries. The minister has come under attack by Nigerians and civil society organisations with many calling for her sack. Reports say Mrs. Oduah compelled the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, an agency under her supervision, in a presumed case of corruption, conflict of interest, and abuse of office, to procure the cars for her with public funds. Documents show that the transaction to procure the cars started last June. Things were then sped up with the cars delivered on 15. In a letter dated August 13, 2013, J.D Nkemakolam, the former Acting Managing Director of the NCAA, sent a letter to the Managing Director of Coscharis Motors asking the company to deliver two BMW 760 armoured vehicles to the agency based on a pro-forma invoice dated June 25, 2013 at the cost of N127, 575,000 ($796,846.21) each. The total amount for the two black BMW Li HSS vehicles, with chassis numbers WBAHP41050DW68032 and WBAHP41010DW68044 respectively, was N255,150,000, or $1,593,687.31.