…Allegation Unfounded NCAA Spokesman, Achimugu
As the controversy generated by the alleged purchase of an official vehicle worth N250 million by the Ag. Director General Civil Aviation (ADGCA),Capt. Chris Najomo, rages on, an Aviation Professional, Engr. Chris Amokwu, has stated that if the allegation is true, the ADGCA is not entitled to any official vehicle until he is appointed as the substantive DG of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He explained that the official vehicle he should be using is the one he was given as a Director in the organisation since he is not a substantive DGCA.
This is just as the Director of Corporate Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu had described the claim as unfounded.
Speaking with our correspondent today, Tuesday in Lagos, Amokwu explained that since the substantive, Director-General Civil Aviation (DGCA) Capt. Musa Nuhu, was still in suspension and not sacked, Najomo in Acting capacity was not entitled to an official vehicle.
Amokwu contended that as the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, which was the last post of Najomo, he was expected to continue to use his official vehicle until he is confirmed as the substantive Director-General of NCAA.
At the moment, Najomo’s name has not been sent to the National Assembly(NASS) for screening and confirmation by the Federal Government.
According to him, “Captain Najomo is not entitled to a Director-General’s vehicle. His substantive appointment is still that of a director. His entitlements should reflect that accordingly. He is only an Ag.DGCA for the meantime while the substantive and confirmed Director-General remains on suspension.
“Should the substantive Director-General be recalled, the Ag. DG is expected to revert to his position. So, on what basis is Capt. Najomo getting a Director-General’s vehicle? There cannot be two Directors-General at the same time.
Recall that prior to his appointment as the Ag. DGCAA, Najomo was the Director of Air Transport Regulation (ATR) in NCAA and was later redeployed to the Directorate of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.
He was appointed as the Ag. Director-General Civil Aviation on December 13, 2023 after the mass disengagement of the agencies’ Chief Executive officers (CEOs) by the Federal Government, through the Aviation Minister and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo.
Also recall that while the other CEOs were disengaged from office, Nuhu was only suspended by the Federal Government on the allegation of corruption, which the government has not been able to establish over four months after his removal from office.
Nuhu’s removal would require the approval of the National Assembly.
Najomo in a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, had debunked claims that he bought an official vehicle worth N250 million.
He also warned of potential legal action against the online platform that published the article if it was not retracted.
The earlier report had alleged that the Acting DG bought a 2022 Toyota Landcruiser (70th Anniversary Edition) worth N250 million without due process.
The said amount, the CAA states, exceeds its approval limit.
The Director of Corporate Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu had described the claim as unfounded.
He explained that upon assuming office, Najomo postponed vehicle requests until staff welfare was improved.
Achimugu emphasised the lack of operational vehicles for any of the 11 directors at NCAA, including himself.
“The Acting Director General advised Directors to delay operational vehicle requests until staff needs were addressed.”
“No single Director in this place (NCAA) has an operational vehicle, I don’t have one. We are about11 Directors, and none of us has an operational vehicle at the moment,” he said.
About The Author
