25th July, 2012
President Goodluck Jonathan has denied reports that his government bought 200 cars for the African First Ladies Summit which formally opens in Abuja tomorrow.
A statement by the Nigerian Presidency today described the report as ”utterly false and misleading”. It was signed by Dr. Reuben Abati, the president’s spokesman.
It said the cars were supplied at ‘no cost’ by the Coscharis Motors to the organisers of the conference, the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM and they will be returned to the company at the end of the conference.
The AFLPM, the statement added has its activities funded by stakeholders and members of the private sector who support and identify with its objectives.
“In accordance with its modus operandi, the AFLPM set up several committees, including a finance committee to raise funds and sponsorship for the organization of its Abuja Summit.
“As part of its own contributions to the successful hosting of the summit by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Coscharis Motors Ltd. offered to provide some cars for the event at no cost to the organizers or the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Under an agreement signed by the committee and Coscharis Motors, all the cars will be returned to the company after the summit.