House of Representatives has began investigation into the alleged illegal award of contract to the tune of over 195 million Dollar to the Deep Blue Project company by the Nigerian Armed force.
Speaking during a meeting with representatives of the Service Chiefs, the Chairman house committee on Navy Alhaji Yussuf Adamu Gagdi, asked whether the equipment supplied by the company met required specifications.
The committee Chairman said the house had resolved to investigate the matter in view of the gravity of the money and the institutions involved.
Alhaji Adamu Gagdi, explained that the house has communicated officially to the relevant agencies in respect of contract award, procurement and finance to appear before it for detailed explanations on the issue for further legislative consideration.
In his response, the Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral Sulaiman El-Ladan, said the armed forces were neither involved at conceptualization or procurement process of the contract in question.
Rear Admiral El-Ladan confirmed the receipt of two special mission vessels, although he complained of the configuration of the equipments.
The representative of the Nigerian Army and Deputy Director special forces operations, Colonel Kolawole Bukoye, also confirmed the receipt of six out of the sixteen buffalo armoured vehicles to be supplied by the company while the remaining ten are at the port waiting for clearance by the Nigeria Customs.
Also in his submission, representative of the Nigerian Air force Air Vice Marshall Amadi Ananaba, declined comment on all the committee’s questions, saying they prefer to present a written document containing the force stands on the matter..
In a letter read by the committee chairman, Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, and the Nigerian Ports Authority who were both expected to appear before the committee denied knowledge of the transaction.
The committee later adjourned the meeting till next week Tuesday to meet with the Ministers of Finance, transport and the DG Nimassa.
COV : TSIBIRI