Stella Oduah, former aviation minister is yet to find the rest she so earnestly desired. After what seemed the biggest political battle of her life in the controversial purchase of used bullet proof cars. The Anambra state politician is embroiled in fresh revelations that has further widen the scope of investigation of her tenure in office.As a prelude to the fresh angle to the crisis facing her, President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the immediate suspension from office of one of her former aides and trusted staff, Mr. Mark Jacob, who she later appointed as the Director, Legal Services of the Federal Airports.
Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).The suspension of the Jacob followed mind bulging allegations of corruption allegedly perpetuated by him in active collaboration with the former Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah.Princess Odua was sacked from office last year by President Jonathan following allegation of over-inflated cost in the purchase of bullet proof cars.Jacob, a former National Legal Adviser of the PDP, was also the Special Assistant, Legal to Princess Oduah in the Ministry of Aviation.The new Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka got the nod of President Jonathan following what was described as concrete evidence that Jacob as Director in-charge of FAAN’s Legal Department was neck deep in controversial award of contracts and forceful take-over of some concessions which exposed the government to several court actions and unnecessary financial expenditure.The suspension from office of Jacob therefore is a confirmation that the embattled former minister, who is planning to run for one of the Anambra senatorial districts position, is not yet off the hook over the myriads of corruption allegations against her.Only last week, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said investigations of allegation of corrupt practices against Odua as minister of Aviation was still ongoing.Jacob’s acts of commission and omission that exposed the federal government to ridicule and are presently being investigated include the renovation of the airports that has so far gulped about N9billion, even as it was gathered that the contracts were not captured in the 2011 budget neither were they bided for.
Per Second News gathered that the contract agreement was skewed against the government in such a way that it cannot terminate such dubious contracts thereby placed the federal government in a quagmire should it attempt to terminate any of the contracts.
A source close to the office of the Minister told our correspondent that, “If the government decides to terminate any of the contracts, it would have to pay heavily for it even, yet it cannot get value for its investments.”
It was also garnered that also under investigation is the alleged squandering of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement fund running into billions of dollars and the forceful ejection of Maevis from the nation’s airports, a development that led Maevis to go to court and won its case against the government which was ordered to pay Maevis more than N1billion as damages.
Other cases instituted in court against the federal government as a result of the actions of the former minister include Bi-Courtney that is contesting the reduction of its concession from 36 to 12 years and that of and AIC Hotels.
Similarly, the MOU with Chinese investors building the new terminal at the Abuja airport is also reportedly skewed against the government of Nigeria.
There is also another N228million spent by FAAN for the repair of three generator sets.
The suspension of Jacob is believed to be a prelude to his arrest by the EFCC, a development that is believed to have jolted the former minister, who may have presumed that the matter has been closed but for the suspension of her trusted aide which has now punctured her earlier position.
When contacted, the Special Assistant to Princess Odua, Joe Obi referred our Correspondent to the Spokesman of FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, saying that since the issues are more related to FAAN, Dati should be able to speak on all the issues.
Efforts made to get Dati through his telephone proved abortive as he failed to pick his calls.
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