Aviation
Car scam: Activists give EFCC two weeks to arrest Oduah
ABUJA – A coalition of Civil Society Organisations under the aegis of Say No Campaign on Friday in Abuja gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission two weeks ultimatum to arrest the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, over the N255m car scam or face litigation.
The group also faulted the 2014 Budget estimate, saying the financial document showed that government was yet to acknowledge its primary duty of providing for the welfare and security of the citizens.
The SNC, at a press briefing in Abuja convened by Auwal Rafsanjani, Ezenwa Nwagwu, Samson Itodo and Jaye Gaskia, stated that the EFCC should arrest and prosecute Oduah by virtue of Section 7 (1) of its establishment Act which empowers the commission to commence investigation as to whether any person, corporate body or organisation has committed any offence under the Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes.
The coalition said, “The recent corruption allegation against the Minister of Aviation for the illegal purchase of two Armoured BMW cars at the outrageous price of N255 million generated citizens’ uproar and received popular condemnation from different stakeholders in the polity.
“These condemnations are deemed to have occasioned the constitution of an investigative committee by President Good-luck Jonathan. Similarly, the House of Representatives responded by constituting its own committee to investigate the issue. The Reps Committee has subsequently released a report indicting Stella Oduah.”
According to the SNC, while the report clearly indicted the minister, the coalition said it was rather worrisome to observe the absence of the political will to prosecute her.
The organization said, “We demand that the EFCC should exercises its powers by conducting an investigation into the aforementioned issue; the commission should further arrest the indicted Minister for Aviation for prosecution in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Should the EFCC refrain from taking the appropriate and required action; the Say No Campaign will not hesitate to institute a legal action against the Commission within 14 days.”
– THE PUNCH
An Abuja-Accra flight experienced technical difficulties mid-air on Friday, forcing it to return to Abuja, shortly after departure.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) made the disclosure in a statement, adding that it has launched investigation into what it described as a serious accident.
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji stated that preliminary investigations revealed the aircraft experienced an engine number two indication issue.
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It was gathered that the aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL which was operating a flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA).
She explained that four persons were onboard when the incident occurred. The crew immediately requested for a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication.
Oladeji added that the crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC.
There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.
Nigeria has acquired 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force as part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The deal, facilitated through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company, was announced by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on via X on Thursday.
He said, “All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping.”
The Alpha Jet, a product of Franco-German collaboration, is a versatile military aircraft designed for light attack and advanced training missions.
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Equipped to carry bombs, rockets, and missiles, the aircraft also features a gun pod for close air support.
The NAF already operates 11 Alpha Jets, but this latest procurement signals a significant boost to its fleet.
Dada also confirmed that the Air Force is expecting 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft, ordered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The first batch of these Italian-made aircraft is expected to arrive early next year.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, described the acquisitions as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to bolstering the armed forces.
“This renewal of our aircraft fleet reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians,” Abubakar said.
The announcement comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit, which took place from November 27 to November 30, highlighted deepening ties between the two nations.
To ensure the sustainability of its expanding fleet, the Air Force has proposed establishing a local maintenance hub.
Speaking in October, Abubakar noted that six units of the M-346FA aircraft were already in production, with the initial batch of three expected to be delivered in early 2025. The full fleet is projected to arrive by 2026.
“These developments underscore the importance of creating a domestic support system for the long-term upkeep of our aircraft,” Abubakar added.
As the holiday season draws near, Aero Contractors has introduced a minimum ticket price of N80,000 for all local flights.
The move, which will last until January 2024, aims to ease the financial burden on Nigerians amid the high cost of living.
Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing, describing the fare reduction as a gesture to help Nigerians celebrate Christmas and the New Year without the stress of steep ticket prices.
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Sanusi said, “We understand the economic hardship Nigerians are facing, especially with high ticket prices, and we know the holiday season is nearby.
“In the spirit of Christmas, Aero Contractors has introduced what we call pocket-friendly Christmas prices. These fares, starting at N80,000, will apply to all our destinations, allowing Nigerians to travel without excessive costs.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, an economy class ticket from Lagos to Abuja was priced at N99,643, while business class tickets were being sold for N189,167.
Sanusi further explained that the initiative was designed to make it easier for families to reunite during the holidays.
“This is a way for us, as an organization with a long history of serving Nigerians, to give back to our loyal customers. We want to make it possible for families to meet their loved ones during this festive season without worrying about exorbitant travel costs,” he added.
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