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Tag: Aviation Minister

  • Ex-Aviation Minister Stella Oduah arraigned with former aide over alleged N5b fraud

    Ex-Aviation Minister Stella Oduah arraigned with former aide over alleged N5b fraud

    A former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has been arraigned before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama on a five-count charge, in which she is accused, among other things, of misappropriating about N5 billion in public funds.

    Oduah was arraigned along with one of her ex-aides, Gloria Odita, on the charge marked: CR/606/2025 filed on October 14 by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

    The ex-minister and her co-defendant were alleged to have committed the offences contained in the charge between January and February 2014, while she was in office.

    The two defendants pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them on Wednesday.

    Shortly after their arraignment, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), who appeared for the ex-minister, and Wale Balogun (SAN), for the second defendant, applied for bail.

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who led the prosecuting team, did not oppose the defendants’ bail applications.

    Fagbemi urged the court to order the defendants to deposit their travel documents with the court to ensure that they are available for trial.

    Ruling, Justice Hamza Muazu granted both defendants bail on self-recognition and ordered Oduah to submit her international passport, which she must only retrieve with the permission of the court.

    Justice Muazu said since Odita’s passport was being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in relation to another case, the document should not be released under the conclusion of that case, following which it should be transferred to his court.

    The judge adjourned till January 12 and 13 for trial.

    The counts in the charge read:

    *That you, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah and Gloria Odita, sometimes in January,2014 in Abuja, agreed amongst yourselves to act to commit and unlawful act, to wit: Obtaining the whooping sum of N2,459,030,733.5 through Broad Waters Resource Nigeria Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited by false from the Federal Ministry of Aviation by falsely pretending that the said sum represented “cost of technical supervision” and “security integrated and logistic support services,” which representation you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

    *That you, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah and Gloria Odita on the 13th day of January, 2014 in Abuja, by false, pretence and with intent to defraud, obtained through Broad Waters Resource Nigeria Limited’s account No: 2023201064 domiciled with First Bank Plc, the sum of N839,780,738.90 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation by falsely pretending that the said sum represented “cost of technical supervision” which representation you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

    *That you, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah and Gloria Odita on the 12th day of February, 2014 in Abuja, by false pretence, and with intent to defraud, obtained through Global Offshore Marine Limited’s account No: 2022977296 domiciled with First Bank Pic, the sum of N1,629,250,000 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation by falsely pretending that the said sum represented “security integrated support services,” which representation you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

    That you, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah and Gloria Odita on the 13th day of January, 2014 in Abuja, whist serving as the Minister of Aviation, Federal Republic of Nigeria and having dominion over the contract awarded to I-SEC Security Nigeria Ltd, dishonestly misappropriated the sum of N839,780,738.90) by authorizing the transfer of the said sum, which act is a breach of your official trust contrary to Section 311 and punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89 Laws of the Federation, 1990.

    *That you, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah and Gloria Odita, on the 12th day of February, 2014 in Abuja, whilst serving as the Minister of Aviation, Federal Republic of Nigeria and having dominion over the contract awarded to I-SEC Security Nigeria Ltd, dishonestly misappropriated the sum of N1,629,250,000 by authorizing the transfer of the said sum which act is a breach of your official trust contrary to Section 311 and punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89 Laws of the Federation, 1990.

  • E-gate to ease clearance of intl. passengers — Aviation minister

    E-gate to ease clearance of intl. passengers — Aviation minister

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says Nigerians returning from foreign countries will soon enjoy their arrivals at the nation’s airports with the introduction of e-gate.

    E-gate is an electronic gate-just like scanner-that has all the modern facilities required to scan passengers who just came into the country via the airports easily and faster without the usual delay.

    The minister made the promise on Monday while inspecting the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) ongoing installation of e-gate (scanner) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    He said the era of unnecessary delay of passengers who just came into the country due to manual scanning by immigration officers would be a thing of the past by the time the project came to fruition.

    Tunji-Ojo recalled that the Federal Government had promised Nigerians that upon their arrival into the country would enjoy a seamless passage at the airports through e-gate unlike in the past.

    “So, I came to inspect the e-gate project that is ongoing and I am happy with the progress of work being done so far; eight e-gates are to be installed at the Abuja airport.

    “But I told them that eight will not be acceptable by me; and that they have to increase it by two to make it 10.

    “So far, they have succeeded in installing some and from the assurances given by the contactor, the remaining ones will be delivered before the end of the month, to make it 10 in all.”

    The minister explained that the more the number of e-gates, the lesser the waiting period by passengers.

    “You know the more the e-gate, then the easier it will be for passengers to be cleared and looking at the one that had been tested; I learnt that it is about 30 seconds to clear an individual.

    “This I believe is a record time anywhere in the world; and having looked at the solutions and the hard ware, is unarguably one of the best.’’

    Tunji-Ojo said that with what he saw on ground, he had no doubt that when completed Nigerians would no longer be that the mercy of NIS officers, or anybody when they arrived Nigeria.

    “This is a fact; because as you can see, it is a matter of putting your passport and it scans it, opens the gate, read your facials, your bio-metrics, it will capture you; and then you leave.

    “You do not need to have an encounter with any Immigration officer.

    “But gain, unless you a person of interest, I must always put that because this whole purpose is not just for you to be able to pass at record time.

    “No, is not just for that is to also secure the country by so doing.’’

    The minister explained further that for the country to also add another layer to its national security architecture, it should be able to have about two or three licence verifications.

    This, he said, would enable the appropriate authority to easily flag anybody or a passenger who happened to be a person of interest or on the watch list.

    He added that by the time the project came on stream, it would go a long way to support NIS officers to enable them to effectively do their jobs.

    “By the time the project comes to fruition, it will be a new story and will be another milestone in the annals of the country and NIS.

    “The project is not just in Abuja; we are looking at delivering about 16 in Lagos, 8 in the D-WING and 8 in the E-WING.

    “As well as one in the private wing in Lagos to make it 17 in total; about five in kano,  four in Enugu and four in Port Harcourt.”

    Tunji-Ojo explained that what he believed was that people must not come through Abuja for them to enjoy the services.

    More so, the minister inspected another ongoing project– Advanced Passengers Information System (APIS) at the NIS headquarters.

    APIS is a devise that enables NIS officials to access to anybody’s bio-data at least two hours before the person or passenger enters into the country.

    Tunji-Ojo expressed delight with the level of work done so far, adding that the project was more than 70 per cent ready as the equipment was on ground including the servers.

    Read Also: Ex-Aviation minister urges candidate to reveal source of result

    “My Joy is that the contractor has given me his words that in the next three weeks, it will be 100 per cent ready.

    “So, it means that the E-NIS project, the border control management which is the automation of border control system is on course and Nigerians are about to have new experience.

    “And above all, NIS is ready to contribute its quota to the national security architecture as I always say NIS is an integral part of national security.

    “And as a security organisation, the efficiency of the service goes a long way to determine how secured the country will be; that is why it has decided to adopt technology and automated its operations,’’ he said.

    (NAN)

  • FORMER SA TO AVIATION MINISTER, IROABUEKE WINS MANDELA FELLOWSHIP

    A former Special Assistant on Financial Strategy to former Minister ofAviation, Stella Oduah, Mr. Obiefule Iroabueke, has been selected forthe prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship programme for 2016.

    Mr. Iroabueke, who is also the Assistant General Manager, BusinessDevelopment and Investment, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA),was selected from the 10,000 Nigerians that applied for the fellowship.The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of thePresident’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and a keycomponent of President Barrack Obama’s commitment to invest in the future of Africa.

    The White House developed the initiative in recognition of the critical and increasing role that young Africans are playing in strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, and enhancing peace and security in Africa.

    Mr. Iroabueke, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, said that the fellowship would afford him the opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s economy.

    He said: “The Mandela Washington Fellowship is an opportunity for youths to harness their ideas towards improving socio-economic development in Africa, strengthening of democratic institutions as well as enhancing of peace and security in Africa.

    “My goal is to learn as much as possible, improve my skills and develop the competencies I need to produce outstanding results in my endeavours; which include improving youth participation in governance as well as improving women and youth employment and economic empowerment.

    “I also hope to gain useful network that can be translated effectively to development in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”

    Mr. Iroabueke, one of Nigeria’s foremost youth in public service was an early advocate of the Perishable Cargo programme developed under the
    auspices of the Ministry of Aviation.

    A keen campaigner for the emancipation of youths, Mr. Iroabueke, launched the WeHaveASay media platform to encourage youth participation
    in polity and policy (leadership).

    Speaking at a special gathering in Abuja, U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, congratulated the new fellows on their competitive selection amongst 10,000 Nigerian applicants and tens of thousands of others throughout Africa.

  • Jonathan swears in Chidoka as Aviation Minister

    ‘I won’t tamper with Aviation master plan’

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday swore in two ministers and deployed the former Corp Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corp, Osita Chidoka (Anambra) as the new Minister of Aviation.

    Abubakar Suleiman (Kwara) became the Minister of National Planning and Deputy Chairman of the National Planning Commission (NPC).

    One of the former Deputy Corp Marshalls, Boboye Oyeyemi, was named the new FRSC Corp Marshall. President Jonathan urged the ministers to bring their wealth of experiences to impact positively on their new assignments.

    He said: “We expect that as you join the team at this time, this is an injury time, like in a soccer match, when you are brought in at that time you are expected to score goals or to give very solid defence.

    “So, Nigerians are expecting much from you… The issues facing us – of course, most of African countries – is the issue of governance.

    “We expect you to bring to bear your wealth of experience so that wherever you are deployed, you will make impact.”

    On the new FRSC chief, the President said: “We are appointing Deputy Corp Marshall Oyeyemi as the Corp Marshall. We will expect that you will do a very good job there.

    “I believe you will work with your colleagues and make sure that you don’t just maintain what Osita (Chidoka) has done but that you will also improve on that.”

    Chidoka promised yesterday not to start anything different from the existing Aviation master plan.

    Few hours after his appointment by President Goodluck Jonathan, the new minister met with workers of the Aviation Ministry. He urged them to deliver quality service to Nigerians.

    Chidoka, who spoke at the SGF Conference Hall in Abuja, wore a Southeast (Igbo) attire comprising an embroidered grey caphtan over a white round neck shirt and  a red cap.

    The Supervising Minister in the ministry, Dr. Samuel Ortom, was absent at the ceremony. This pushed the handover ceremony till today.

    Chidoka hailed his predecessor, Ms Stella Oduah, for transforming the aviation industry.

    He said: “I want us to deliver service to Nigerians. We sometimes forget that the ultimate measure of our work is delivering to the people.

    “We sometimes forget that we are here because of people and we bring in our own issues. So, I believe that in the next few weeks, I will get presentations from everybody and get ideas on different areas. We will then create a straight line that we will work with. I beg all of you to feel free to say your minds because I know most civil servants will say, ‘Let’s study his body language’. But I am urging all of you to feel free.”

    Chidoka promised to build on the existing master plan.

    “We are not going to do anything different, but we will build on what already exists, in line with the Aviation master plan. We will measure where we are and take further step from there. I hope we will have a fruitful working experience and, most importantly, deliver service to Nigerians.”

  • Who should be appointed aviation minister?

    Who should be appointed aviation minister?

    Who should be appointed aviation minister? Stakeholders are rooting for a technocrat. Will President Goodluck Jonathan accede to their demand? KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR reports.

     

    IF aviation stakeholders have their way, a technocrat will be appointed minister. But they are worried by plans by some people to influence the appointment of a non-technocrat for the job.

    Last week, they sent a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan following a meeting of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the Aviation Roundtable , National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers( NAAPE), National Union of AirTransport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Cabin Crew Association, among others.

    The letter, according to AON Chairman Captain Nogie Meggison, is based on the stakeholders’ position on the criteria Jonathan should use in making the appointment.

    He said the government’s failure in the past to appoint somebody with the know-how is responsible for the sector’s slow growth.

    He said though the stakeholders have not endorsed anybody for the position, they know of technocrats that can deliver the industry by offering professional leadership when called upon.

    Meggison said the professionals came together to urge Jonathan to appoint an expert as minister because of the sensitive nature of the industry,which should not be left in the hands of amateurs.

    The failure to appoint a professional as minister, he said, would take the industry several years back, arguing that previous ministers could have performed better if they had sufficient knowledge of the sector.

    Citing other areas, such as health and justice, where it has become the tradition to appoint seasoned professionals as ministers, he said the President shoud, as a matter of urgency, consider appointing an aviation professional as minister.

    “It is not yet late, there is still sufficient time to correct the mistakes of the past … If previous ministers of aviation had aviation background, the industry would have moved forward,” he emphasised.

    NAAPE President Isaac Balami, said aviation stakeholders were poised to ensure the President listens to their agitation and immediately appoint an aviation professional as minister.He said stakeholders wouldw not succumb to any threat or blackmail until the President appoint an expert as minister.

    Balami said stakeholders resolved to ensure that the government appoints an aviation expert as minister, who will hit the ground running without requiring too much time to learn on the job.

    “The mistakes we have made in the past are enough. We cannot continue in the old fashion of recycling politicians to oversee the aviation sector. This time around, stakeholders insist that an industry expert must be appointed as minister of aviation Failure to do that will take the industry backwards,” he said.

    A few days after the letter was dispatched to the Presidency, some unnamed persons were said to have started lobbying to be made minister. The Nation learnt from a reliable source that a certain airline operator and head of an aviation agency are allegedly the arrow heads of the new move to latch on the letter to make way for themselves.

    The source hinted that rather than work towards achieving the objective of the letter, some people without the requisite experiance are positioning themselves for the ministerial seat.

    President, Aviation Roundtable, Captain Dele Ore, said such move is against stakeholders’ resolve to move the industry forward. He said: “Now that aviation has a supervising minister, he should be allowed to clear the mess left behind at the ministry by Princess Stella Oduah. The so called aviation professionals clamouring to be appointed to replace her are being sponsored to cover her tracks,” he alleged, adding: “ We have not got to a stage where names are being suggested.”

    Ore said the same so-called professionals agitating to be considered to replace Oduah are those that misadvised her and are being sponsored for the “big cover-up”.

    Ore insisted that the letter that the stakeholders signed genuinely calling for the appointment of an industry expert as minister was a genuine call, which the group had made over the years.

    He, however, expressed regrets that “our letter is fraudulently being used to promote the interest of people agitating to be appointed when they are not honourable enough for such highly exalted office.”

    Ore added: “The same experts that have misadvised the former minister so as to perpetrate what they called continuity and remodeling of the airports are the same half-baked aviation professionals that are lobbying to be appointed as minister.”

    Such moves, he said, might throw the sector into crisis.

    But the former president of National Cabin Crew Association of Nigeria ( NACCAN), Mr Olumide Ohunayo, hold a different view.

    To him, the stakeholders are missing the point since what the ndustry needs is someone with the courage to move the sector forward.

    His words: “The recent call by unions and some stakeholders calling for the appointment of an industry expert to head the ministry and their pseudo submission of nominees is self severing and not a true reflection of recent achievements and genuine yearning of the industry in totality.”

    Ohunayo also argued that the unions ‘ threat to shut down the industry if a technocrat is not appointed, is unneccessary. According to him, having a technocrat as minister is not the panacea to the problems facing the aviation industry. He pointed out that the last technocrat that headed the ministry only facilitated the increment of Nigeria Airways pilots’ remunerations and, thereafter, nothing happened again till he handed over.

    “The president must not be compelled by threats; rather, he should be left alone to make his choice, putting in perspective the federal character principle as enshrined in the constitution. What we need is an administrator and entrepreneur, who will supervise the agencies, and also attract investors into the sector.

    ‘’He or she will correct the lapses therein and complete on-going projects considering the time frame of this administration,” he argued.

  • Minister, experts differ over national carrier

    Minister, experts differ over national carrier

    Some experts in the aviation sector have opposed the modalities set for floating a national carrier by the Federal Government .

    Head of Strategy, Zenith Travel Mr Fidel Olumide Uhunayo and an aviation economist, Mr Taiwo Adenekan, are urging the government to jettison the idea of designating Aero Airlines as the national carrier. According to them, designating a domestic airline out of the existing local carriers, does not other that the government is creating a level playing field for all operators.

    Ohunayo said the era of designating a single operator as national carrier was gone. Adenekan canvassed an open bid for all international routes by airlines that have capacity to deliver.

    Ohunayo said: ”The equations that are being moulded for a caesarean delivery of a national carrier should be reviewed and reconsidered in the interest of the industry and the nation at large. A national carrier ought to have exclusivity and protection.

    “What we need is a national airline policy that will strengthen the industry and our airlines, not a national carrier. The policy should include reduction of taxes, modernisation of air traffic control.

    “The policy by the government should address how to assist airlines through stabilisaton of aviation fuel prices and provision of a market for the flag carriers through a Fly Nigeria Act.

    “This involves a legislation that will make mandatory for government officials to fly only Nigerian airlines on international routes. Doing this will accelerate economic growth.”

    He continued: ”Countries that share our present mentality of setting up a new national carrier include Malawi, Zambia, Congo, Ghana and Gambia. Do we choose to belong to this crowd?

    “Therefore, a country can also be embarrassed by its national carrier; we can ask the Italians, Greek, Mexicans and all the countries in our sub-region.

    “Most of the people calling for a new national carrier today and linking it to the payment of terminal benefits of former Nigeria Airways staff, worked assiduously to frustrate government efforts in the past.

    “The industry all over the world has moved from national to legacy to flag and low cost carriers. “

    Adenekan said: “The government should put all the lucrative international routes on the table for bid. Any airline that gets the bid based on operational competence should be considered as a national carrier. Such airline should be able to compete with other global carriers and not just designating one domestic carrier as a national airline. I am not convinced it may be the best option.”

    Other experts, who spoke on condition of anonymity, have also cautioned against giving undue preference to Aero Airlines.

    Another airline, which analysts say, has the capacity for being designated national carrier is Arik Air. But its managent said it is not perturbed over plans to designate Aero as a national carrier.

    Group Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air, Dr Michael Arumem-Ikhide said: “As an airline, we are not worried. At the end of the day, it is for the benefit of this country. I mean we are a country of 160 million people.The market size here is phenomenonal, market penetration in terms of access to airlines is less than 10 per cent.

    “For the good of our people, we at Arik Air feel good if it means more travellers, if it means more economic development.

    “Let it be for the benefit of the customers.

    “Firstly, the airline must be of higher standard. Secondly, it must be reliable and safe. Let it be run based on international standards and principles and let it be safe.

    “At the end of the day, it is the passengers that would determine the airline they want to fly.”

    Another expert, who pleaded not to be named, said: ”Well, this is an interesting subject that often would elicit varied reactions. Generally speaking, it is not a bad idea, but the issue is very sensitive. We should be moving forward and not moving backwards.

    “There are different voices on this issue among operators. But, I think the concept of a national carrier is archaic. What most countries are doing is the model of flag carriers. The aviation industry has gone far ahead of archaic models.

    “I think Nigeria should look in the direction of what other nations have done to designate domestic airlines as flag carriers. Gone are the days of national carrier; it is out of vogue.

    “Aviation business has gone digital; it is no more analogue, so, why do we need to go back to outdated models.

    But airline operators are consolidating and talking to the government on how to achieve what is the best for the aviation industry.

    “We are convinced that the government has good plans to set up a national carrier. I am sure the promoters of the carrier would have done their home work. So that by the time the whole thing is worked out, the picture will become clear and it is going to be a win-win situation for everybody,”he said.

    But Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah said last week that the national carrier would soon be named.

    Oduah attributed the delay in delivering the national carrier to some hitches, adding that the these were being addressed.

    She, however, did not give details of the problems.

    Oduah said: “We are trying to rectify that challenge. I think we will do it very soon, but the important thing is that we want to give Nigerians a national carrier that we all aspire to have. That will be a true representation of all of us; that can be bought from the market; that will be professionally and efficiently managed.”

  • N255m cars: Facebook users want Oduah sacked

    N255m cars: Facebook users want Oduah sacked

    Facebook users have called for  Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah’s removal over the alleged purchase of two armored cars worth N255 million naira.

    The Nation Newspaper had subsequently sought the pulse of the masses on the issue on its Facebook Page.

    Of over 2, 000 submissions, below are some of the randomly selected comments by Nigerians:

    Victor Maverick Amos In more decent climes this question would be illegal. The right one should be- how many years should this woman spend behind bars?

    Nura Muhammad Nasan So sad, so worried concerning leadership in Nigeria. Its indicate that both the Lower and Upper House of the National Assembly lack some democratic elements
    that make them to fail woefully. Its obvious that the current adminstration has no direction and make corruption its priority. Just of a recent, the presidency defending fraud of about $1.6billion(N255million) by Aviation Minister… This is a shame. 225million can drill five hundred and ten (510) boreholes at #500, 000 per borehole, and this can be distributed to one borehole per Local Gov’t Area in the Country, 510 LG will benefit from it, one thousand (1 000) citizens will benefit from each bolehole daily, a total of 510 000 will benefit from… Therefore, Government should terminate her appointment.

    Amadi Augustine She bought two amoured cars for and over what? Is she going to war? The next thing now is some people are after her life. The level of wastage in this country has never been witnessed by any country in sub-Saharan Africa. Except that we have no shame, otherwise she would have resigned by now. This is sheer greed common with Nigerian political leaders no matter the political party. Compare Stella Oduah with Dora Akunyili, it is a far cry. Akunyili exhibited tact, altruism and above her life when she was shot by fake drug manufacturers. Oduah should hide her head in shame.

    Gloria Ernest-Samuel Yes! She ought to have resigned. It is insulting that someone like her could still wait to be sacked. She is shameless. I used to admire her. I thought she was as pretty on the inside as she is on the outside. If I were in her position, I will apologize to Nigerians and resign. That is what integrity is all about, but she lacks that. She’s just one of those roguish politicians.*sighs* I pity her family.

    Oluwatoyin Olagbaju It’s all about having moral courage and an undiluted patriotic zeal. The idea is to embark on a wholistic revamping of The Populous Giant Of Africa, NIGERIA; Giving the plethora of air mishaps and near mishaps that we’ve had in this country, which are hardly ever due to pilot incompetence or contrary weather, rather, we always hear reports of aircrafts having mechanical or parts problems. If the allegation(s) levelled against Ms. Odua is legitimate, then I don’t see any reason why we need to have disgruntled Nigerians, conscripted or otherwise in red tee shirts and placards, demonstrating against her continuance as The Minister for Aviation…A highly sensitive parastatal, I must add; She, Ms Odua should naturally and in honorable conscience tender her resignation, in the best interest of the Nation’s Posterity and in fact, constitute a team that should not only proffer solution(s) to our current predicament in that sector but also give suggestions as persons/seasoned professionals who may best serve as Nigeria’s Aviation Minister… The Aviation sector is too intricate for political appointments.

    Adebayo Idowu While other Nations have Leaders Nigeria is Blessed with Looters of treasury, thieves, embezzlers, liers & haters of the truth. She is one of those who claim to be leaders but re looter let her go the way he likes goes. U can be sure she will get National honor

    Oyetunji Oyegboola Babatunde  mr president should sack her and after dat he must prosecute her nd jail her 4 dis corruption dat she committed………… ASUU is on strike nd those stupid elements called politicians are buying exotic cars without fulfilling d agreement btw ’em nd ASUU.

    Akor Austin If every minister decides now that their lives are not safe and goes for cars like dis, what will happen to Nigeria? Only one person, 2 cars worth 1.6, its not fair,see hw the masses are sufering and just one person alone is spending this amnt of money on cars in the name of protecting her life. It is true, it is nothing compare to what others have stolen, but it has to stop, the harmmer need to drop on some one so others can take dressing from there.we need to change. Let her GO!!!

    Dave Probity yes!, we don’t want a corrupt leader like her, how can somebody use only N255million to buy only two cars? her car is even cost more than the Britain PM. she should go as nemesis has caught up with her.

    Richii Anayo Nwobasi Her resignation won’t stop corruption in Nigeria n according to report its a trend in the country wt all those in Power~crumbling d financial state of d country more alarming when over ten million Nigerians survive below a dollar day• I sincerely think We should stand together to FIGHT corruption from d top to the street rather than debating over her sack/resignation because whosoever is taking over from her will do worst••Pls where is Bank Ole today? N Cecilia Ibru? The list might go on••My take here~Pls let’s fight Corruption to save our yet unborn generation•

    Dompyal Lombin It is very funny that public officials don’t care about Nigeria’s image. We have come to terms with their corupt tendencies all we ask in return is decorum and a little “think before you act”. Even if the cars were not bought in her name (which i doubt) she should atleast hav had the common sense to reject them for the time bein to focus on a more important issue which is safety of our Airways! She should resign for God’s sake! Nigeria is not a Banana republic

    Uche Chris This accusation is baseless and stupid, some people are just accusing this innocent woman for nothing, because she is under GEJ team and she is working. Those that vows to make the leadership of GEJ ungovernable.

    Baba Shehu Rilwanu No! Bcos she is not d only one in d gov’t. All d higher ranking officers of d country are doing dsame. If d minister should resign the management of d ministry should also resign cos nothing can happen without their concent.

    Magnus Tekpejereme Hwosafe BIG NOOOO. The car was not bought in her name, it’s an official car; and until we get a final investigation report that the cost of the cars were inflated; she should remain in her noble office and continue the transformation works on the aviation industry. No sentiments.

    Onyedika Ezeudu She wil nt resign cos d car was purchased by official duty. D pple that bought that car sopose to be pro

    Augustine Ogbekene Corruption has no language or tribe. It is a disease that afflicts everybody,especially the poor or marginalised. Tax payers’ money is looted and development stalled. It is a scourge that must be fought with all vehemence. Stella odua marched on banana peel and slipped: Due process was not followed and the cost of the cars were outrageously inflated. Management of NCAA and the minister shud go! That is my verdict.

    Omowunmi Olojo She should b SACKED,if she is asked 2 resign, it still d same has helping 2 protect her image.she done tarnish her image by herself.I BEG NA SACK BE HER REWARD”

    Onos Ziregbe The earlier we start dealing squarely with corrupt practices, no matter how minute, the quicker the repositioning of our economy and general well being. Every single corrupt act should be seriously discouraged. SHE SHOULD GO

    James Kayode Infact is like we nigerians we don’t know where we are going how would a single person will used nigeria money to purchase a car of #255m we should all know that if chance permit her she can steal d whole budget of nation bcos she a thief to d core (olle barawo oyin oshi).

    Olabisi Bizzaino Adekanye The agency that purchased the cars should be held liable for any apportioned punishment. The minister should as well be suspended for accepting these gifts. This is a nation where our self-obsessed leaders claim there is insufficient fund when it comes to projects that will be of benefit to d general public, but have the fund to slake their desire. Our Judiciary is nothing to write home about otherwise i would have counselled these culprits are kept safe and sound in Kirikiri for time indefinite.

    Mohammed Abdulkareem She should not only go but also punished along with her GOD father

    Jibrin Idris She will not hence she is not the only corrupt office holder in the country others should resign too no comment

    Ibrahim Balogun she doesnt deserve to resign. let her chop her own too

    Sule Monday what is she doing in that office now,by now stella should be in efcc net or are we waiting untill she use the whole aviation money to buy armored bulletproof jet for her personal use again at taxpayer expense.

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  • Air mishap: Senate summons Aviation Minister, others

    Air mishap: Senate summons Aviation Minister, others

    …To probe Associated Airline crash
    … Crashed plane engine still in Nigeria – AIPB
    The Senate on Tuesday summoned the Aviation Minister, Mrs. Stella Oduah-Ogiemwonyi, to appear before it to explain the state of the country’s aviation industry.
    The upper chamber also said that Oduah would brief members about the resurgence of air crashes that have claimed hundreds of lives of Nigerians and others.
    It mandated its Committee on Aviation to investigate the October 3 crash of Associated Airline in Lagos while conveying the remains of late former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Agagu to Akure for burial.
    Apart from Oduah, the Senate also invited Chief Executives of aviation paratatals to appear with the minister to answer questions on the state of the nation’s aviation sector.
    The Senate said that it relied on Section 67(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which empowered it to invite any official of the government for questioning on national issues.
    The lawmakers expressed frustration over incessant air disasters in the country.
    Senators specifically took turns to lament the rot in the aviation sector and sought immediate steps to remedy the situation to avoid what they called “avoidable deaths” and destruction of property.
    This followed a motion by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Hope Uzodinma (Imo West) entitled: “Crash of Associated Airlines airplane.”
    Uzodinma noted “with ultimate sorrow” the unfortunate crash of the Associate Airlines propeller airplane EMB190 from Lagos to Akure on Monday October 3.
    He also noted “with concern” that the plane bearing the remains of Agagu to Akure for burial crashed within the vicinity of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport barely a minute after takeoff from the domestic wing of the airport.
    He observed that the ill- fated plane plunged to the ground shortly after flying over the perimeter fencing of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and moments later busted into flames.
    The lawmaker said that apart from the remains of the former governor, there were 20 passengers on board the crashed plane “16 of whom have been confirmed dead” while four others sustained varying degrees of injury and receiving treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
    Meanwhile, the Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau on Tuesday said the engines of the Embraer 120 aircraft have been moved to an undisclosed hangar at the Lagos airport.
    According to the spokesman of the agency, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, the engines are being worked on as part of the ongoing probe into the cause of the crash.
    Oketunbi said the engines may not be moved abroad, if investigations on its parameters are concluded in Nigeria by experts probing the crash.
    He dismissed reports in some quarters that the aircraft engines have been flown to Brazil.
    He said,” We are taking steps to advance the investigations into the crash. As at today we have moved the aircraft engines to an undisclosed hangar in Lagos Airport.
    We are still examining the aircraft engines. The engines have not been flown abroad. It is the intensity of investigations that will determine whether they will be flown abroad.”