Those clamouring for a probe of the alleged purchase of two BMW Li Series armoured cars by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for Aviation Minister Stella Oduah at a cost of N250 million have had their wish granted by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The setting up of a three-man Administrative Panel of Inquiry into the scandal was announced by Presidential Adviser on Media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, after today’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

He disclosed that the committee is headed by the immediate past Head of Service of the Federation (HoS), Sali Bello Isa, with the National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki, and Air Vice Marshal Dick Iruenebere as members.

President Jonathan, according to Abati, constituted the panel considering the “weight of the allegation.”

Abati told newsmen in Abuja: “President Goodluck Jonathan has taken the initial step of asking the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, for explanations and that is in public domain and so it will not be right to say that the President is not well seized of the matter.

“But President Jonathan has also today taken a step further and you will probably be the first set of Nigerians to hear this, by setting up a three-man administrative panel of inquiry. This panel has the assignment to investigate whether the procurement process with regards to this armoured vehicles follow due process. This three-man panel is also to find out the purpose to which the vehicles were procured and then to inquire into any other instrumental matter.

“This three-man panel is to be chaired by the immediate former Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Sali Bello, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dakusi (rtd) is a member, AVM Dick Iruenebere (rtd). The secretariat of the panel which is expected to submit its reports within two weeks will be provided by the office the NSA.”

•Photo shows embattled Aviation Minister Stella Oduah.

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