By  ENYIM ENYIM
ABUJA—Embattled Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, who is facing separate probe panels set up by President Goodluck Jonathan as well as the National Assembly over the purchase of N255 million armoured cars has written the president to explain her side of the story.
The President on Tuesday issued query to her to explain her role in the purchase of the armoured cars.
In her response which Vanguard obtained exclusively, the minister said procurement of the cars followed due process and was provided for in the NCAA 2013 budget.
Defence
In her defence titled: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ON THE PROCUREMENT OF NCAA OPERATIONAL VEHICLES, she wrote: “The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, is the statutory regulator of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Industry.

Aviation Minister, Ms. Stella Oduah
Consequently, the NCAA is charged with oversight responsibilities over all civil aviation operations in the country, including safety, security and strict compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, SARPs, and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, NCARs.
2. Towards the effective implementation of its statutory regulatory responsibilities, therefore, it is imperative that the NCAA is fully equipped with highly specialised tools and facilities, including adequate operational vehicles to cover all 22 national airports and over 400 airstrips. In keeping with standard practice, provision is therefore made annually for the replacement of obsolete, inadequate and unreliable monitoring equipment.
3.In the 2013 budgetary appropriation, provision was made for the procurement of specialised equipment (including operational vehicles) to complement and in some cases replace obsolete ones.
Furthermore, the fact that NCAA, as the regulator of the industry, often plays host to dignitaries from ICAO, IATA, US FAA, AFRAA, AFCAC BAGASO, CANSO, ACI and a host of others makes it necessary to have specialised operational vehicles.
4.With regard to the procurement of additional operational vehicles (including BMW Security Vehicles), the following due process was observed:
(I) By letter dated April 15, 2013, NCAA officially requested authorisation from the Federal Ministry of Aviation to procure 56 operational vehicles through lease financing. This option was proposed to the ministry to enable the NCAA make 36 monthly payments based on receipts from Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
Approval
The Ministry therefore granted due approval.
(ii)Based on the ministry’s approval, the NCAA invited Expressions of Interest from all Banks in Nigeria for the financing of the said vehicles. EOI was adopted because the procurement is two sided. First, the financier would have to be selected before the supplier is determined. This is in line with procurement best practices.
(iii) On May 24, 2013, the response received from the various banks to the Expression of Interest, EOI, request was opened publicly and minutes of the opening exercise was duly documented. During the EOI opening exercise, NCAA got commendation from one of the Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, approved by BPP who were invited for the opening exercise.
(iv)  The evaluation of the expression of interests was held on May 31, 2013 during which First Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc and Stanbic IBTC emerged most responsive. On the June 10, 2013 the above three banks were invited to submit Financial Proposals. Thereafter, First Bank emerged the highest rated responsive bidder.
(v)Between June 20 and 25, 2013, invoices were received from various accredited motor vehicle dealers during which only Coscharis Motors Limited quoted for BMW Security Vehicles.
Tenders Board
(vi) On June  28, 2013, NCAA Parastatal Tenders Board approved the selection of First Bank Ltd for the Lease Financing as well as Metropolitan Motor Vehicles and Coscharis for the supply of the vehicles.  All  necessary approvals  were duly  sought  and  obtained accordingly.
(vii) Between  July 8, 2013 to August, 12, 2013 various meetings were held with First Bank Ltd, contract agreement was signed and necessary documentation executed.
Your Excellency is respectfully invited to note:
(i) The crucial statutory role of the NCAA in regulating civil aviation operations in the country, including safety, security and strict compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs).
(ii) The need for NCAA to be fully equipped with highly specialized tools and facilities (including operational vehicles) to enable the effective implementation of its statutory functions.
(iii) The procurement of specialized operational vehicles is duly provided for in the NCAA 2p 13 (IGR) Budget and the need for adopting instalmental lease payments over36rionths.
(iii) That Due Process was followed in the procurement of the said operational vehicles.
Please your Excellency my continued loyally and esteemed regards.
Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, OON, Honourable Minister.

Her defense sounds convincing afterall. If She is doing good work in the sector, let her stay. All condemned was the disregard for due process, but it appears she followed due process.

The Budget says specialized operational vehicles not BMW armored Cars

Maximus17: The Budget says specialized operational vehicles not BMW armored Cars

SPECIALIZED opertional vehicles could also be BMW armoured cars

So where are those ignoramous arguing when the news first broke out that NCAA is autonomous and there's no way our honorable minister of aviation would have had anything to do with the purchase.

chukwudi44:

SPECIALIZED opertional vehicles could also be BMW armoured cars

Guy, stop this,ok? You don't have to continue defending what's not. Forget the fact that she's your tribeswoman. Let's always be sincere and transparent. Only with that we can have a better Nigeria.


From the first day the news broke out you've been hopping on threads that has to do with Stella, trying so hard to defend her, even going to the extent of insulting others based on their views. Now that she's made her statement and found complicit to buying those armored vehicles at such an outrageous amount (you may want to argue again that she didn't quote the amount) here you're again saying what is not.

Check out your previous posts on this issue.

chukwudi44: All evidence so far points to the NCAA and its director
Fola Akin.Nothing to link the minister with it.SMH for
desperation of some folks!! Oduah is going to
nowhere!! She will stay till she uprades the owerri
airport also to international status and the Enugu
airport one of the best in the world.Haters can go to
hell

chukwudi44: The two black BMW Li HSS vehicles had chases
numbers WBAHP41050DW68032 and
WBAHP41010DW68044 respectively. The two cars
were delivered to the NCAA on August 13, 2013, where
it was received by two store managers, F. Onoabhagbe
and Y.A. Amzat (who is also the agency’s head of
transport). On August 15, 2013, Sola Ogunsakin of the
NCAA signed off to certify completion of the
transaction.
Check out the names of the culprits involved !! All of
them from the same region as their director

chukwudi44: Is this the best you can come up with? Have you not
heard the the NCAA is an autonomous institution? No
matter what happens without any corresponce on this
from the minister or her signature on these documents
then you do not have any case against her shikena.

How much are you paid for all these? If only she knew she's gat a protege who can shed his last drop of blood to defend her, I think you'd be proud owner of one of her exotic acquisitions.


Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't defend your own, but it should be done rationally. I know of some other tribalists like you on this nairaland that can also go to the extreme to protect their own and their tribe, but they were very sincere in this case. They condemned it from the very first day.



Let's come together and condemn this people spending our money without conscience, irrespective of the culprit, be it yoruba, hausa or Ibo. That money can sufficiently buy 3 armoured vehicles and the remaining balance spent on more aesthetic facilities for the Enugu international airport. Even if the vehicles have not being paid for, why go for such an expensive one?

Give a murder a chance to talk and he will justify his/her action with explanation. All these one na story story.

f

Codedeben:

Guy, stop this,ok? You don't have to continue defending what's not. Forget the fact that she's your tribeswoman. Let's always be sincere and transparent. Only with that we can have a better Nigeria.


From the first day the news broke out you've been hopping on threads that has to do with Stella, trying so hard to defend her, even going to the extent of insulting others based on their views. Now that she's made her statement and found complicit to buying those armored vehicles at such an outrageous amount (you may want to argue again that she didn't quote the amount) here you're again saying what is not.

Check out your previous posts on this issue.





How much are you paid for all these? If only she knew she's gat a protege who can shed his last drop of blood to defend her, I think you'd be proud owner of one of her exotic acquisitions.


Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't defend your own, but it should be done rationally. I know of some other tribalists like you on this nairaland that can also go to the extreme to protect their own and their tribe, but they were very sincere in this case. They condemned it from the very first day.



Let's come together and condemn this people spending our money without conscience, irrespective of the culprit, be it yoruba, hausa or Ibo. That money can sufficiently buy 3 armoured vehicles and the remaining balance spent on more aesthetic facilities for the Enugu international airport. Even if the vehicles have not being paid for, why go for such an expensive one?

Bros she was found complicit by who and for what? did they tell you there was no provision for aesthestic facilities in the aviation budget? Abeg stop stalking me and get a life.

The procurement went through due process sodeal with it

Codedeben:

Guy, stop this,ok? You don't have to continue defending what's not. Forget the fact that she's your tribeswoman. Let's always be sincere and transparent. Only with that we can have a better Nigeria.


From the first day the news broke out you've been hopping on threads that has to do with Stella, trying so hard to defend her, even going to the extent of insulting others based on their views. Now that she's made her statement and found complicit to buying those armored vehicles at such an outrageous amount (you may want to argue again that she didn't quote the amount) here you're again saying what is not.

Check out your previous posts on this issue.





How much are you paid for all these? If only she knew she's gat a protege who can shed his last drop of blood to defend her, I think you'd be proud owner of one of her exotic acquisitions.


Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't defend your own, but it should be done rationally. I know of some other tribalists like you on this nairaland that can also go to the extreme to protect their own and their tribe, but they were very sincere in this case. They condemned it from the very first day.



Let's come together and condemn this people spending our money without conscience, irrespective of the culprit, be it yoruba, hausa or Ibo. That money can sufficiently buy 3 armoured vehicles and the remaining balance spent on more aesthetic facilities for the Enugu international airport. Even if the vehicles have not being paid for, why go for such an expensive one?

Bros she was found complicit by who and for what? did they tell you there was no provision for aesthestic facilities in the aviation budget? Abeg stop stalking me and get a life.

The procurement went through due process so deal with it

But mr spokesperson said the cars were bought due to the immediate threat to her life?? Who are they playing? KARMA will prevailprevail!

..Still Not Convinced. There are Contradicting Facts Layed there!

If all this was done in due process. Biko, what is the issue with ndi ofe nmanu Melaye should be kept in prison for his ignorance, Stella just gave you guys details. I beg to differ, but Igbo women have always held their position's honourably! Stella must Stay!

B*tch pls..they always follow due process to steal its just the figures that never make sense.your jig is up

What are you trying to say again after reading her defence as against the various lies you were fed by the propaganda/witch-hunt campaigners.

All these smokescreen and "corruption perception" were the handiworks of Aviation Cabals, their cronies and associates to stop the Best Aviation minister Nigeria can boost of from transforming the sector and writing her name in gold.

Remember, those Saboteurs who say Enugu Airport is not viable, it's possess dangers to Nigeria Aviation Industry, these men are too dangerous and can do anything to stop her.

Enugu has recently been labelled by these media accomplices as the Crime Capital of Nigeria and the most dirtiest city in Nigeria. My question to you is, do you believe these lies about Enugu that was adjudged the Cleanest and Safe city 6 months ago by the commissioner of police?

Codedeben:

Guy, stop this,ok? You don't have to continue defending what's not. Forget the fact that she's your tribeswoman. Let's always be sincere and transparent. Only with that we can have a better Nigeria.


From the first day the news broke out you've been hopping on threads that has to do with Stella, trying so hard to defend her, even going to the extent of insulting others based on their views. Now that she's made her statement and found complicit to buying those armored vehicles at such an outrageous amount (you may want to argue again that she didn't quote the amount) here you're again saying what is not.

Check out your previous posts on this issue.





How much are you paid for all these? If only she knew she's gat a protege who can shed his last drop of blood to defend her, I think you'd be proud owner of one of her exotic acquisitions.


Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't defend your own, but it should be done rationally. I know of some other tribalists like you on this nairaland that can also go to the extreme to protect their own and their tribe, but they were very sincere in this case. They condemned it from the very first day.



Let's come together and condemn this people spending our money without conscience, irrespective of the culprit, be it yoruba, hausa or Ibo. That money can sufficiently buy 3 armoured vehicles and the remaining balance spent on more aesthetic facilities for the Enugu international airport. Even if the vehicles have not being paid for, why go for such an expensive one?

Grow up and stop being spoon fed, there are two sides of every story and a honourable man will always listen to both sides without prejudices for a fair and just judgement.

I'm not surprise at all but see where hatred and bias have thrown you into.

Bacteriocin: Give a murder a chance to talk and he will justify his/her action with explanation. All these one na story story.

Maximus17: The Budget says specialized operational vehicles not BMW armored Cars

Which school did you graduate from? Or you just decided to make a fool of yourself. Special operational vehicles can be any type of cars even armoured cars

This defence sounds very convincing and with this Sнε has a water-tight case.However,the initial report by her SA media tries to cast slur on this defence.

Iceman296: ..Still Not Convinced. There are Contradicting Facts Layed there!

Pls can you point out the contradicting facts?

All these stated by stella are well explained facts and she aint going anywhere.

This same mumuish fools that wants to drag Nigeria back has tried their gane on NOI and it didn't work for them, they are now facing stella but it aint gonna work.

Every igbo woman that is in a position always strive to make a difference because if you fail in making a difference you will be a laughing stock in your hometown as a woman that held Government position without doing any meaningful thing, that's why the strive to make a difference, check the history of igbo women in politics.

Just like GEJ, she's hated for not just cause!

Stella Oduah must GO!

chukwudi44:

Bros she was found complicit by who and for what? did they tell you there was no provision for aesthestic facilities in the aviation budget? Abeg stop stalking me and get a life.

The procurement went through due process so deal with it

Smh for you o.

Story

Codedeben:

Guy, stop this,ok? You don't have to continue defending what's not. Forget the fact that she's your tribeswoman. Let's always be sincere and transparent. Only with that we can have a better Nigeria.


From the first day the news broke out you've been hopping on threads that has to do with Stella, trying so hard to defend her, even going to the extent of insulting others based on their views. Now that she's made her statement and found complicit to buying those armored vehicles at such an outrageous amount (you may want to argue again that she didn't quote the amount) here you're again saying what is not.

Check out your previous posts on this issue.





How much are you paid for all these? If only she knew she's gat a protege who can shed his last drop of blood to defend her, I think you'd be proud owner of one of her exotic acquisitions.


Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't defend your own, but it should be done rationally. I know of some other tribalists like you on this nairaland that can also go to the extreme to protect their own and their tribe, but they were very sincere in this case. They condemned it from the very first day.



Let's come together and condemn this people spending our money without conscience, irrespective of the culprit, be it yoruba, hausa or Ibo. That money can sufficiently buy 3 armoured vehicles and the remaining balance spent on more aesthetic facilities for the Enugu international airport. Even if the vehicles have not being paid for, why go for such an expensive one?

In mortal combat, this called......
BRUTALITY

Another day, another new tale from madam minister...sigh!!!

Listen to Madam Vampire and her tales.

Madam vampire tactically ignored the fact that these cars were bought for her but goes on about, FAA, ICAO, IATA bla bla.

Someone should please ask madam vampire, that what happens to the lives of those inspectors and auditors in NCAA. Those who daily put their lives in the line of fire, reporting dubious characters like madam vampire. Do we also grant them $1.6 million armoured cars? Or their own lives is "an act of god"?

That madam vampire justifies the exorbitant price of this vehicle on the basis that it was a lease tells me she is a hardened criminal. What interest rate was applied on this 36 months lease bringing the price to over 100% of the market value? Was it an interest rate of over 100%?

Nwanyi wu amusu and a hardened criminal. Ndi osi azuruazu.

So, the fund appropriated for procuring 56 "operational" vehicles for the agency was diverted to procure 2 "armoured" vehicles for the minister?

In as much as the allegation against the Minister of aviation is very shameful, I have been very cautious to respond knowing what a Nation we live in called Nigeria can do when they want to hang a dog!
With documented evidence of these meetings she has a case, however the highly inflated price and the alleged kick back offered, would need to be disproved too.. All these is dependent on whether the President is patient enough to stomach this embarrasment.

It'd be tough, especially as she is supposed to be in the Presidents inner caucus and should have known better!

Ok

Who told you that Princess Stella Oduah was involved or responsible for the kick-back assuming it exist?

Try to understand the game of blackmail. It's dangerous with preconceived objective to damage the perceived enemy's reputation.

Tintinix: In as much as the allegation against the Minister of aviation is very shameful, I have been very cautious to respond knowing what a Nation we live in called Nigeria can do when they want to hang a dog!
With documented evidence of these meetings she has a case, however the highly inflated price and the alleged kick back offered, would need to be disproved too.. All these is dependent on whether the President is patient enough to stomach this embarrasment.

It'd be tough, especially as she is supposed to be in the Presidents inner caucus and should have known better!

This defense is extremely weak at best, it lacks substance and reason. Since most nigerians think with their heart instead of their brain, so it is no surprise that people hail or condemn the response without even reading it fully not to talk of digesting it.

A clause by clause analysis of the response reveals a hurriedly and badly though out write-up.

1. We know the statutory functions of the NCAA, what is in question here is how two armoured vehicles for the minister fit that statutory functions.

2. How is the two armoured cars an essential tool and equipment for the smooth regulation of the aviation industry. How can armoured cars be used as operational vehicles for the aviation industry? Are they specially equipped with aviation equipment. Are there other countries that use armoured cars as aviation operational vehicles? Is it standard practice?

How are the two specialized armoured vehicles going to cover 22 airports and 400 airstrips?

3. What did the 2013 budget make provision for? Specialized equipments, operational vehicles or armoured cars? But specialized equipment cannot transform to armoured BMW cars.
Now the armoured vehicles are specialized to chauffeur NCAA foreign guests. Again do NCAA guests deserve special treatments from any other guest to Nigeria?

4. Due process followed? Lets see.
1. April 15, 2013, NCAA requested for approval of the ministry for 56 operational vehicles through leasing financing? What are the details of the request? What is the total cost of the 56 operational vehicles.
Approval was granted pronto by the minister. So what are the financing details? Three banks seems to be falling over themselves to express interest. At what interest rate is first bank financing the purchases. What happened to the other 54 operational vehicles?
Dont have time now, would try and conclude later, but a clause by cause analysis shows so many contradictions.