The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, for the excuses he provided regarding the Nigeria Air project. HURIWA finds these excuses indefensible and raises concerns about the silence and inaction of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in addressing the allegations of fraud against Sirika, despite being indicted by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
In a statement released by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, the group deems the EFCC’s reluctance to arrest Sirika as conspiratorial. HURIWA calls on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to establish a presidential panel to thoroughly investigate Sirika’s tenure as Minister of Aviation and make the findings public.
Sirika recently stated that he spent nearly N3 billion on consultants, salaries, and the Abuja office of Nigeria Air, which has faced significant backlash. However, he denied embezzling the N85 billion earmarked for the project. Notably, the launch of Nigeria Air occurred just two days before the end of the Muhammadu Buhari government, despite a standing court order halting the carrier.
According to Sirika, the released funds were approximately N3 billion, not the N85 billion alleged, and were mainly utilized for transaction advisory services, the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) process, salaries, consultancy services, and office expenses in Abuja. He also accused a House of Representatives member of requesting 5 percent equity shares in the national carrier.
HURIWA’s Onwubiko maintains that Sirika’s explanations fail to address the critical questions surrounding the Nigeria Air project. The whereabouts of Nigeria Air remain unclear, and the decision to lease an aircraft from Ethiopia to deceive Nigerians raises further concerns. Additionally, the project has yet to secure any aircraft for its operations or obtain an Air Operating Certificate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The group calls on the EFCC to take immediate action, as the National Assembly has already declared the project fraudulent. HURIWA urges the anti-graft commission to arrest the former minister promptly, while the new administration should establish a presidential panel to investigate the matter thoroughly.
In conclusion, HURIWA’s demand for a comprehensive probe into the alleged fraudulent Nigeria Air project underscores the need for transparency and accountability. The EFCC’s involvement is crucial to ensuring justice, while a presidential panel would shed light on the extent of the mismanagement. Stay tuned for further developments on this matter of national importance.