SaharaReporters has obtained documents relating to a scandalously inflated $500 million defense contract that President Goodluck Jonathan awarded to Arthur Eze, a Nigerian businessman with a shady past, a close friend of the president and his wife, and a major financier of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Our security sources said some officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) were furious over the jumbo contract described by one source as “a pure waste.” The sources, most of them military personnel, told our correspondent that, in addition to its sheer extravagance, the contract has also saddled the Nigerian military with helicopters that have limited or no combat utility.

The documents obtained by our correspondent reveal that Mr. Eze, the chief executive of Triax, received the gigantic sum of $466.5 million in order to weaponize six Puma helicopters with the aid of an Israeli company named Elbit Systems. This meant that each weaponized helicopter cost close to $78 million. “For the price of each helicopter provided by Engineer Arthur Eze, the Air Force could have acquired seven top grade military helicopters,” said one of our sources.

Our sources also noted that the haste with which the contract was initiated, approved and executed raised serious questions. A memo dated November 20, 2014 and submitted by the Chief of Air Staff, A.N. Amosu, revealed that Mr. Eze had on November 4, 2014 submitted a proposal to the office of the National Security Adviser proposing to supply the upgraded helicopters to the NAF. The tone of Mr. Eze’s letter, obtained by us, indicated that he was deeply involved in sourcing and supplying hardware to the Nigerian military as it is embroiled in a fight against Boko Haram militants.

An Air Force officer said he was alarmed at the alacrity with which Mr. Eze’s overinflated proposal was approved by the NSA’s office. The NAF followed with an equally quick endorsement sixteen days later.

One of our sources accused President Jonathan and Mr. Eze of using the refusal of the US to sell Cobra attack helicopters to Nigeria as an excuse to engage in a large-scale squandering of funds involving the Federal Government and Mr. Eze’s company, the Triax Company Nigeria Limited. “In the US, a brand new AH Cobra attack helicopter costs around $12 million each,” said a source at the NAF. He added: “That means that, with $400 million, Nigeria could have purchased up to 40 brand new helicopters.”

According to the source, the Cobra attack helicopter is one of the best US-made helicopters. “It is highly effective in the battlefield. It would have given us big battlefield advantage over Boko Haram,” he said.

In an additional proposal, Mr. Eze’s company sought to purchase 4,000 57mm S5 rockets, 400 80mm S8 rockets, 500 general-purpose bombs, and 20,000 units of unguided rockets. His company also received a contract to refurbish three C-130 planes that had been sitting at the hanger of the Nigerian Air Force for several years.

A final invoice Mr. Eze submitted to the Nigerian government showed that he would receive $466, 500,000 to supply six upgraded Puma helicopters, four units of single-seater Sukhoi Su-25K (“Frog-foot”) Soviet-made ground attack jets, and two upgraded Su-25UB trainers for $330 million. In addition, he would receive $14 million for the shipping of platforms/ground support/line replacement of the six Puma helicopters; $44 million for some arms and ammunition earlier proposed; $37 million for the maintenance of C-130 engines, and $40 million for unspecified armaments for the NAF.

Our military sources stated that Mr. Eze’s invoice for the supply of the refurbished aircraft was massively inflated by international and Nigerian standards.

Several of the sources said Triax delivered the substandard equipment after Mr. Eze further padded the cost of the refurbished helicopters and the C-130. The sources revealed that, since February 15, 2015, when Chief of Air Staff Amosu showed off the helicopters and C-130 planes, none of the aircraft has been deployed even once to fight Boko Haram militants. “They are not in any combat-ready condition,” one officer fumed. “We are looking at a total waste of money for no good reason.”

aharaReporters could not ascertain from Mr. Amosu whether the Air Force had taken delivery of the other items listed on the invoice Mr. Eze had signed and submitted to the NSA’s office.

Mr. Eze’s partners in the defense deals is Elbit Systems, an Israeli company that has been involved in several scandalous defense contracts in Nigeria, including a multimillion dollar internet spying project.

Our sources wondered why the Nigerian government, which is in a critical stage of counter-insurgency operations against Islamist group Boko Haram, would strike such an overinflated deal with Mr. Eze’s firm to purchase antiquated helicopters and other equipment that were virtually discarded by Romania.

One clear answer may be found in the fact that Mr. Eze is one of the biggest personal financiers of Mr. Jonathan’s re-election. The businessman, who also controls huge interests in oil fields both in Nigeria and other West African countries, has been funneling millions of dollars into Mr. Jonathan’s campaign, said an insider PDP source. The businessman is extremely close to Mr. Jonathan and is reportedly well liked by First Lady Patience Jonathan because of his lavish presents to her, including million dollar gifts.

Mr. Eze is a big-spending billionaire who is an expert at ingratiating himself with those in power. During the brutal dictatorship led by the late General Sani Abacha, Mr. Eze became one of the closest confidantes of the general and his wife. He received a huge windfall when Mr. Abacha handed him the $120 million contract for rural electricity and water projects in the southeastern states. Even though the contract sum was borrowed from the African Development Bank, Mr. Eze pocketed the money without doing any of the projects, a scandal that led to the firing of the bank’s chief executive.

At the height of Mr. Abacha’s repression, Mr. Eze used to fly traditional rulers from the southeast on frequent visits to pledge loyalty to the dictator in Abuja. The Triax executive even stated once that he would go into exile if Mr. Abacha gave up power to an elected government.

Mr. Eze warmed his way to President Olusegun Obasanjo. As Mr. Obasanjo sought to change the constitution to extend his tenure, Mr. Eze was a vociferous supporter of the scheme.

His closeness to President Jonathan and his wife has brought him more riches through inflated contracts and great political clout. At the urging of Mr. Jonathan and his wife, the PDP national headquarters in Abuja allowed Mr. Eze to determine most of those announced as winners of PDP primaries for Federal legislative seats in the southeast, but especially in his home state of Anambra. In most cases, the businessman’s candidates were declared winners of primaries that were either not held or were heavily manipulated.

And so?

Do you expect the contract to go to shekau bin sambisa?

Fraud

Who else if not sahara effing reporters?
Propaganda has shifted from the PDP to the APC now.

I have said it that those auctioning off Ndigbo to Jonathan are doing it for their selfish interest and for what they benefit from him. It has nothing to do with the interest of Ndigbo. After some clowns will come and be asking why as an Igboman am not supporting Jonathan.

Things Must Change. We can continue being a means to satisfying the greed of people like Arthur Eze. I knew the day he was at Onitsha raining insults here and there, he was in it for his pocket.

Things must Change in Nigeria for the better. Sai Buhari.

RevDesmondJuju:
And so?

Do you expect the contract to go to shekau bin sambisa?

GBAM...Good question. This is a very sensitive contract after all. God bless Nigeria. ....buy 1GB MTN Data plan for N1,200 only. 30 days duration. Works in all devices (Andriod/iPhone, Phone or Modem). 24/7 services available. Also Convert Airtime to Cash (20% Processing Fee). Call: 08107873795. Thanks & God bless.

To Saharareporters, it would've been preferable if the contract was won by either a former military General, Otedola, Adenuga or Dangote.

What I was expecting was the shortcuts in the contract publications, bidding processes, NSA denial of certification.

Was there gross negligence of due process and associated presentations of paperworks?

The contract was awarded to Authur Eze is not a sad news nor is it unlawful.

Arthur Eze na Ukpo...OZOIGBO NDU......O nweberu ihe ndi Ugwu huru...anyi ga agba haa ose n'anya.....am happy for u sir...Naija is for everybody....Before anybody begin to comment rubb!sh,remember his philanthropic works to Nigeria and Nigerians at large...He deserve more than that...

with $400 million, Nigeria
could have purchased up to 40 brand new
helicopters.”
According to the source,

officers of the
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) were furious over the
jumbo contract described by one source as “a
pure waste

Ngwakwe:
It would be preferable if the contract was won be either a former military General, Otedola, Adenuga or Dangote.

What I was expecting was the shortcuts in contract publications, bidding processes, NSA denial of certification.

Was the gross negligence of due process and associated presentations of paperworks?

It is awarded to Authur Eze is not a sad news nor is it unlawful.

Arthur Eze shoving Jonathan down the throat of Aligbo is for his vested interest. And when did you started caring about "paperworks" as a cover for vested interest?

If the elites of Ndigbo had a contract of policies and developmental projects that will be done for Ndigbo, it will be different. But here are supports to Jonathan based on favours, contracts and money funneled to individuals.

Things must Change in Aligbo and obodo Nigeria.

“For the
price of each helicopter provided by Engineer
Arthur Eze, the Air Force could have acquired
seven top grade military helicopters,” said one
of our sources

One only one Tomy Hawk missile cost US Army a cool 1 million dollar. Not to shoot it just the missile.
Sorry SR this is not shocking try again! War Weapons are not cheap at al!

Instead of buying brand new airframes from the Russian company, the Pentagon could cut the price by as much as half by allowing firms in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary or Poland to upgrade Mi-17s already in the Afghan fleet, the military source says.

"Several countries are fully licensed to do refurbishment," the military source says. "Using refurbished helos will cost half of what new ones cost. So instead of giving $1 billion to Rosoboronexport, we can give $500 million to our allies."

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2012/06/15/pentagon-were-sticking-with-russian-helicopters-for-afghan-air-force

How Jonathan Awarded $500 Million Defense Contract To Arthur Eze For Purchase Of Refurbished Helicopters | Sahara... http:///1zrfI2qUx"

No wonder they are all fearing a Buhari Presidency Serious can of worms will be exposed after GMB's swearing-in. The level of corruption being perpetrated by this GEJ administration is unprecedented. But it shall all be exposed. Fear not comrades. It won't be long now.

IbnSultaan:
How Jonathan Awarded $500 Million Defense Contract To Arthur Eze For Purchase Of Refurbished Helicopters | Sahara... http:///1zrfI2qUx"

Read above how USA paid same! Thats what it takes to fight terrorism. With those same weapons from Papa Eze we are winning the war!

Aboulafia says the Pentagon might also save money if it went shopping for used Rosoboronexport-made aircraft.

"The demand from these helicopters has been strong, so there might be some Eastern European countries that would sell some for Afghanistan," the analyst says. "I'm just not sure [U.S. officials] looked closely at alternatives to buying new ones."

The military source describes a collective attitude in the Pentagon and in Afghanistan where decision-makers "have blinders and just want to throw [money] at the problem—pay the Russians and get it over with."

That is why it is difficult to win the BH war, millitary equipment purchase has turn to business as usual, no single element of patriotism in them except their pocket.

IbnSultaan:
Fraud

It is no fraud.




A source told IHS Jane's that the aircraft package reported by the Nigerian newspaper is one of several proposals that foreign defence companies from France, Italy, Israel, Russia, and South Africa have submitted to Nigeria and that the deal was far from finalised.

Describing the leak to The Nation as "political," the source challenged the claim that the proposal was overpriced, saying the newspaper had not taken into consideration all aspects of the package.

http://www.janes.com/article/48842/nigeria-looking-for-more-attack-aircraft

egift:


Arthur Eze shoving Jonathan down the throat of Aligbo is for his vested interest. And when did you started caring about "paperworks" as a cover for vested interest?

If the elites of Ndigbo had a contract of policies and developmental projects that will be done for Ndigbo, it will be different. But here are supports to Jonathan based on favours, contracts and money funneled to individuals.

Things must Change in Aligbo and obodo Nigeria.

Your Igbophobia (antagonistic instinct) makes you immaterial to this discussion.

Park well, Abegiii

egift:
I have said it that those auctioning off Ndigbo to Jonathan are doing it for their selfish interest and for what they benefit from him. It has nothing to do with the interest of Ndigbo. After some clowns will come and be asking why as an Igboman am not supporting Jonathan.

Things Must Change. We can continue being a means to satisfying the greed of people like Arthur Eze. I knew the day he was at Onitsha raining insults here and there, he was in it for his pocket.

Things must Change in Nigeria for the better. Sai Buhari.

My friend shut your trap if you have nothing intelligent to contribute.

IbnSultaan:
with $400 million, Nigeria
could have purchased up to 40 brand new
helicopters.”
According to the source,

we could have been flying everywhere in helicopter. The question I want to ask is *The one supplied by Arthur Eze, can it level your village or cause any damage it shoots a missile?

Stealing is not corruption

IbnSultaan:
SaharaReporters has obtained documents

February 15, 2015, when Chief of Air Staff
Amosu showed off the helicopters and C-130
planes, none of the aircraft has been deployed
even once to fight Boko Haram militants. “They
are not in any combat-ready condition,” one
officer fumed. “We are looking at a total waste
of money for no good reason.

This is a bloody lie.


Saharareporters claims the Helicopters recently up-graded have never been used since the 15th of February.


On the day, AS Super-Puma, Gazelle helicopters were commissioned into service.


In the video and photos, we can all see the Super Puma and Gazelle helicopter in the North-East.

Also look at the serial number, NAF 565 commissioned in lagos in the channels T.V cut, and a clear photo of NAF 565 in maiduguiri.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaY3veJg7gs&sns=em



Watch towards the end of this video, you would see the Gazelle Helicopter landing after a Recon mission in maiduguiri Airport.

biafranqueen:
Read above how USA paid same! Thats what it takes to fight terrorism. With those same weapons from Papa Eze we are winning the war!

The money was wasted on refurbished choppers

Henry120:


It is no fraud.




A source told IHS Jane's that the aircraft package reported by the Nigerian newspaper is one of several proposals that foreign defence companies from France, Italy, Israel, Russia, and South Africa have submitted to Nigeria and that the deal was far from finalised.

Describing the leak to The Nation as "political," the source challenged the claim that the proposal was overpriced, saying the newspaper had not taken into consideration all aspects of the package.

http://www.janes.com/article/48842/nigeria-looking-for-more-attack-aircraft

A final invoice Mr. Eze submitted to the Nigerian
government showed that he would receive
$466, 500,000 to supply six upgraded Puma
helicopters, four units of single-seater Sukhoi
Su-25K (“Frog-foot”) Soviet-made ground attack
jets, and two upgraded Su-25UB trainers for
$330 million. In addition, he would receive $14
million for the shipping of platforms/ground
support/line replacement of the six Puma
helicopters; $44 million for some arms and
ammunition earlier proposed; $37 million for
the maintenance of C-130 engines, and $40
million for unspecified armaments for the NAF.
Our military sources stated that Mr. Eze’s
invoice for the supply of the refurbished aircraft
was massively inflated by international and
Nigerian standards.
Several of the sources said Triax delivered the
substandard equipment after Mr. Eze further
padded the cost of the refurbished helicopters
and the C-130. The sources revealed that, since
February 15, 2015, when Chief of Air Staff
Amosu showed off the helicopters and C-130
planes, none of the aircraft has been deployed
even once to fight Boko Haram militants. “They
are not in any combat-ready condition,” one
officer fumed. “We are looking at a total waste
of money for no good reason.

IbnSultaan:

A final invoice Mr. Eze submitted to the Nigerian
government showed that he would receive
$466, 500,000 to supply six upgraded Puma
helicopters, four units of single-seater Sukhoi
Su-25K (“Frog-foot”) Soviet-made ground attack
jets, and two upgraded Su-25UB trainers for
$330 million. In addition, he would receive $14
million for the shipping of platforms/ground
support/line replacement of the six Puma
helicopters; $44 million for some arms and
ammunition earlier proposed; $37 million for
the maintenance of C-130 engines, and $40
million for unspecified armaments for the NAF.
Our military sources stated that Mr. Eze’s
invoice for the supply of the refurbished aircraft
was massively inflated by international and
Nigerian standards.
Several of the sources said Triax delivered the
substandard equipment after Mr. Eze further
padded the cost of the refurbished helicopters
and the C-130. The sources revealed that, since
February 15, 2015, when Chief of Air Staff
Amosu showed off the helicopters and C-130
planes, none of the aircraft has been deployed
even once to fight Boko Haram militants. “They
are not in any combat-ready condition,” one
officer fumed. “We are looking at a total waste
of money for no good reason.

Point out the fraud like you and your source claims.



IHS Janes Defence confirms the cost with the manufacturer and company in-charge of the Up-grade.


IHS Janes Defence is a proper Defence & security/ intelligence news source, and not a gossip site like Sahara reporters.

Only in Nigeria and corrupt countries will individuals be awarded sensitive defence contracts.

What is the function of the Ministry of Defence or the Nigerian Air Force in providing the necessary equipments needed?

This kind of contract is only given after proper 'due diligence' have been carried out, unfortunately, we don't do such processes in Nigeria.

Little wonder, some individuals are hell-bent on President Jonathan being elected, because they are only there for their own sakes.

It would be appropriate if some individuals here can cross checked the websites of Triax Company Nig Ltd owned by Arthur Eze and asked themselves questions if they can do business with such an organisation.

Now we know why the Boko Haram insurgency have not been curtailed.

Ngwakwe:
To Saharareporters, it would've been preferable if the contract was won by either a former military General, Otedola, Adenuga or Dangote.

What I was expecting was the shortcuts in the contract publications, bidding processes, NSA denial of certification.

Was there gross negligence of due process and associated presentations of paperworks?

The contract was awarded to Authur Eze is not a sad news nor is it unlawful.

Imagine what you are saying. What experience does Arthur Eze have on the military to "legitimate" his preference to other security chiefs and retired generals? We all saw a picture and video of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (before he became a head of state) during the government Shehu Shagari buying arms and other military hardwares on behalf of Nigeria. Why was Awolowo, Azikiwe, Ciroma, Okadigbo, Abiola or Clark not given the contract?

[s]

egift:
I have said it that those auctioning off Ndigbo to Jonathan are doing it for their selfish interest and for what they benefit from him. It has nothing to do with the interest of Ndigbo. After some clowns will come and be asking why as an Igboman am not supporting Jonathan.

Things Must Change. We can continue being a means to satisfying the greed of people like Arthur Eze. I knew the day he was at Onitsha raining insults here and there, he was in it for his pocket.

Things must Change in Nigeria for the better. Sai Buhari.

[/s]

OrlandoOwoh:

Imagine what you are saying. What experience does Arthur Eze have on the military to "legitimate" his preference to other security chiefs and retired generals? We all saw a picture and video of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (before he became a head of state) during the government Shehu Shagari buying arms and other military hardwares on behalf of Nigeria. Why was Awolowo, Azikiwe, Ciroma, Okadigbo, Abiola or Clark not given the contract?

You mean Arthur Eze or his company?