Outrage As Senate Makes U-Turn On Stella Oduah's Scandal

There was outrage on Thursday as the Senate rescinded its resolution to have the Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, appear before it over her many controversies, scandals and the rot in the aviation sector.

It was learnt that the leadership of the Senate felt that many outspoken senators, especially those in APC might seize the opportunity to ask her questions that might further embarrass the minister and the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government.

“It is a way of giving this woman a soft-landing because it is not their responsibility to investigate crime. Crime has been alleged, so it is the EFCC or ICPC that should investigate her.”

Oduah is now to appear before the Senate Committee on Aviation alongside the Chief Executive Officers of the aviation agencies under her ministry, on issues not even related to the cars scandal.

The Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, who moved a motion for the lawmakers to have a rethink on the invitation of the minister, had argued that the action was based on the Senate Standing Order 53 (6) which empowers it to reverse its decisions.

According to Punch, there was deafening silence when the Senate President, David Mark, called for comments from the senators as none of them were ready to say anything that would cause trouble.

Reacting to the latest cover up move, Femi Falana (SAN) said:

“The economic and financial crimes involved in the Oduahgate scandal are too grave to be swept under the carpet. Neither the plenary nor the aviation committee of the Senate can exonerate the minister from the scam.

“In view of her indictment by the Bureau of Public Prosecution and the House Aviation Committee, Oduah has lost all moral right to remain a public officer. President Jonathan should relieve Nigeria of the odium by sacking her without any further ado.”