[N225m Car Scandal] Jonathan Bars Stella Oduah from BASA Signing Ceremony

Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, who is currently under fire will not be taking part in the momentous signing of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, with Israel today. 

Oduah who was sighted in Israel (See photo HERE) was barred by the Nigerian leader who decided to keep the minister out of the signing ceremony because he did not want his visit to be overshadowed by the controversy surrounding her.

Oduah is said to have gone to Israel with the hope that she could use the opportunity of the visit to explain her position on the controversial car deal to the President and take part in sealing the air deal with the country.

Competent sources said that the President had not given the minister any opportunity to discuss the issue with him since his arrival in the Holy Land last Wednesday. He was uncomfortable with the public outrage arising from Oduahgate and would not want to be seen as condoning corruption with the embattled minister on his side.

“The President is mindful of the fact that he has to project Nigeria as a country, which does not condone any form of graft and will not bring a tainted official of his administration to Tel Aviv for a serious event as the BASA signing ceremony.

“Before leaving for the Holy Land, the President had made it clear that the circumstances surrounding the purchase of the two armoured cars for the minister must be thoroughly investigated and a detailed report made for him to assure Nigerians and the international community that he does not tolerate any form of financial impropriety.”