N255m scandal: Embattled minister splits Jonathan’s cabinet

Some ministers in the Goodluck Jonathan administration want their embattled colleague, Ms. Stella Oduah, out of the cabinet.
Aviation Minister Oduah is at the centre of the scandal concerning the procurement of two armoured cars by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) at a combined cost of N255 million.

The Oduah-must-go ministers, according to sources, say the law must take its course in the matter, although some others are sympathetic towards her and want her retained.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that attempts by some ministers to rally support for Oduah in the cabinet have not met with much success.
Some of the ministers are of the view that it is pre-emptive to be rallying support for Oduah when investigation is still on course.

Those who are insisting that the law must take its course argue that some of the ministers recently fired brought no moral burden on the Jonathan administration as much as Oduahgate has done.
They claim that since Oduah has always presented a larger than life image in the cabinet, due process must be followed.

According to a source, most of the ministers from the South-East have been working hard to prevail on the President to “give Oduah a second chance.”
A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We are really not united on how to treat what you people call Oduahgate. Some cabinet ministers wanted us to come out strongly with blind support for the Aviation Minister.

“But some of us are of the opinion that we should have the facts and figures from the Administrative Panel raised by the President before taking a position.
“If she is cleared at the end of the day, I will have justification for backing her.”

Another cabinet source said: “With the position of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) last week, I find it hard to believe that a Ministerial Tenders Board could ignore due process.

“So, one is eager to know the outcome of the ongoing investigation by the panel. You know, whatever decision the President will take, it must be in line with fairness, justice and the policy of the administration against corruption.
“I am neither for nor against Oduah yet until I have the right facts.”

A third source said: “I have been a bit close to Oduah in the cabinet. I respect her, but the defence so far by the NCAA or media advisers has left many gaps to fill.
“I know she has had some challenges in the past too.”

A fourth cabinet source added: “ We are divided as it is normal with any human setting.

amarilo: Lol this Ofe people una no dey tire for fake news? Minister asking jona to sack minister.

shachris:

Sahara reporters = fake, vanguard = fake, premium times = fake, now its the nation, and you still say its fake?

When a paper is not protecting your interest, it automatically turns to fake.

Nwanne gaa gbara ogwu gi nyuo!

shachris: I can tell Ngozi is one of the people against. The statement she released few days has fire all over it.

ballabriggs:

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