DAYS after remaining silent on the issue, the Ministry of Aviation on Wednesday confirmed the purchase of two bulletproof vehicles worth $1.6 million (N255 million) for the minister, Ms. Stella Oduah.
The purchase was done by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Mr. Joe Obi, said the vehicles were purchased to protect the minister from external attacks.
“Yes, it is true that some security vehicles were procured for the use of the office of the honourable minister in response to the clear and imminent threat to her personal security and life following the bold steps she took to reposition the sector.
“When she came on board as the minister, she inherited a lot of baggage in terms of the concession and lease agreements in the sector, which were clearly not in the interest of the government and people of Nigeria.
“And so, she took bold steps and some of these agreements were reviewed and some were terminated, and these moves disturbed some entrenched interests in the sector, and within this period, she began to receive some imminent threats to her life; therefore, the need for the vehicles.
“It should be noted that these vehicles are not personal vehicles and were not procured in the name of the honourable minister; they are utility vehicles and are for the office of the minister, and if she leaves the office, she will not be taking the vehicles along with her.”
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the two black BMW 760 Li HSS vehicles had chassis numbers WBAHP41050DW68032 and WBAHP41010DW68044, and were reportedly delivered to the NCAA on August 13, 2013. They were received by two store managers, F. Onoabhagbe and Y. A. Amzat, who is also the agency’s head of transport.
