By Umar Muhammad Puma
The House of Representatives has said it has set aside June 17, 18 and 19 for the commencement of the probe of the alleged charter private jet scandal by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which was saddled with the responsibility of the probe, has so far collated evidences from Jet Hanger and Vistajet, two private companies connected to the jet charter deal.
It has also received memos from undisclosed whistle blowers, who have indicated interest to appear before the committee to testify.
Chairman House committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Zakari Mohammed (APC, Kwara) disclosed these to journalists yesterday. He said fresh sets of invitations have been prepared and will be sent out to invitees ahead of the period slated for the hearing in about two weeks.
Other stakeholders expected to appear before the committee are Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authorities (NCAA) and other relevant agencies in the aviation industry.
He assures Nigerians that there is no need for them to develop cold feet over the conduct of the probe and its outcome, saying the committee will turn in its report on the floor of the House before the House goes on recess for annual break by the end of July.
Rep. Zakari, however, rejected allegations that the House has been compromised and cannot carry on with the probe, saying “these are imaginary aspersions about favours exchanging hands. But I want to say the House is clean.”
On whether or not the Minister will show up for the probe hearings, Mohammed said the House is not out to witch-hunt her. “If you were to appear and you refuse, under the law, we will subpoena you,” he noted.
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