Senate grills FAAN MD over bullet-proof cars

The Senate Committee on Aviation on Tuesday queried the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria over the purchase of four bullet-proof cars in his. Agency’s custody

The MD, Mr. George Uriesi, told the Senator Hope Uzodima-led committee that the vehicles included two lexus Limousine cars and two Prado jeeps.

He said the limousines were bought at the cost of N60m each and not N70m as being reported.

He however said he did not have details of the cost of the Prado jeeps.

The MD added that the vehicles were still in the custody of the banks, which funded the purchase.

It was also learnt that Uriesi could not account for the person who ordered the purchase and for who they were meant for.

The FAAN boss, who was grilled by the six-member committee, was said to be sweating in the air-conditioned room while the session lasted.

He said the Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, approved the purchase of the vehicles while somebody, which he failed to mention, signed on her behalf.

An obviously enraged Uzodinma lambasted the FAAN boss for receiving approval from the minister instead of the Federal Executive Council.

He was therefore ordered to return to the committee on Monday with details of the transactions and necessary receipts he used to purchase the vehicles.

He was also asked to bring along details of other vehicles which the agency bought for its directors.

Meanwhile, the Senate Aviation Committee has said it would inspect the bullet-proof cars bought for Oduah by NCAA before the end of the week.

Punch