While stating that the allegation should not be swept under the carpet, Idahagbon contended that in saner societies, the Minister would have resigned immediately the allegation was made.
Also, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to investigate the disappearance of the N35.5 billion Aviation Intervention Fund (AIF) given to Air Nigeria
It would be recalled that Chris Ndulue, the Managing Director of Arik Air, last week at a press conference alleged that the Ministry of Aviation’s hostility against Arik was on account of an equity demand by the Minister which it claimed to have turned down.
However, the Minister in a statement signed by her spokesman, Joe Obi denied the allegation stating that “The five percent equity story is without any foundation whatsoever. It is absurd, malicious and ultimately laughable”.
In an exclusive interview with ionigeria.com, Idahagbon said, “the allegation shows the extent to which corruption has gone under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Corruption has gone incorporated”.
“Whether, it is true or not, Princess Oduah should resign. It is a very serious allegation for a serving Minister to be accused of corruption”, he added.
Continuing, Idahagbon said, “if Professor Barth Nnaji could be made to resign for conflict of interest, this is worse than conflict of interest”.
The Special Adviser, who was also the Secretary-General of the Oshimhole Campaign Organisation stated that it was not possible for the staff of parastatals under the Aviation Ministry to wake-up and decide to disrupt the services of any airline without the prodding and support of someone at the top. He believes strongly that the most likely person is Princess Oduah.
NAAPE CALLS ON CBN TO INVESTIGATE AIR NIGERIA OVER N35.5BLN AIF
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to investigate the disappearance of the N35.5 billion Aviation Intervention Fund (AIF) given to Air Nigeria.
The call was made in a petition to the CBN signed by the NAAPE’s Chairman, Mr Roland Ahmed.
The petition, dated Sept. 12, 2012, and entitled, ``Closure of Air Nigeria”, a copy was made available to the Newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.
Ahmed said that the body wanted the intervention of the governor of the apex bank and inquisition into the N35.5 billion facility drawn by the carrier.
According to the letter, the fund was ``graciously'' released after much pressure, to enable Nigerian airlines to refinance their huge debt as well as inject life into the administration of aviation.
``We understand that the fund extended to Air Nigeria was guaranteed by the airline's main banker, United Bank for Africa (UBA).
``To this end, we feel obliged to intimate you of the recent closure of Air Nigeria from flight operation by its Chairman, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim.
``Permit us Sir, to draw your attention to this, as we believe it to be an anomaly and a defeat of the noble intention of the Federal Government through the CBN.
``We, therefore, implore your office to take immediate steps to safeguard the N35.5 billion public fund which now appears trapped by Air Nigeria's closure,’’ he said.
.
The fund was meant for airlines meeting the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s certifications to enable them to address all the issues of technical standards and aircraft airworthiness.
No comments:
Post a Comment