23rd October, 2013
Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
President Goodluck Jonathan, departing to Jerusalem for pilgrimage later tonight, has set up a three man panel to probe the N255 million BMW cars scandal involving Princess Stella Oduah, the Minister of Aviation.
Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to President Jonathan who announced this to journalists after the meeting of Federal Executive Council also confirmed reports that the President also issued a query in which explanation was demanded from the Minister over the car scandal yesterday.
The three man administrative panel of enquiry that will probe Oduah will be chaired by the immediate past Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali.
The other members include Sambo Dasuki (retd), the National Security Adviser and Air Vice Marshall Dick Iruenabere (retd).
The Committee, according to Abati will investigate whether the procurement of the vehicles followed due process, the purposes the vehicles were procured for and other incidental matters.
The secretariat of the panel which has two weeks to complete its assignment will be provided by the office of the NSA.
“President Jonathan will like to assure the general public that nobody, no matter highly placed will be shielded or exempted from this enquiry that he has directed and that appropriate actions will be taken against any person(s) who may be found guilty or misconduct either in this respect or any other respect,” said Abati who refused to say whether the Minister will or will not be asked to vacate office while the enquiry lasts.
Stella Oduah is believed to be too close to Nigeria’s President and many believed that the probe may just be a cover-up of her misconduct.
The Presidential Adviser also announced that a Nigerian, Mr. A. B Aliyu has been unanimously chosen as the sole candidate for the Presidency of ICAO in the election of the body coming up in November.
Mr. Aliyu will become the first African President when he assumed the position in November.