A major scandal is brewing in the Ministry of Defence over tender for the supply of Mi-17SH Military helicopters to beef the military surveillance fleet in the wake of terrorist threats from the extremist Islamic group, Boko Haram.
Investigations reveal that although the tenders had been opened, there are alleged plots by some powerful cabal in the ministry to award the multi-billion contract to a proxy instead of patronizing the winner in the selective tender conducted end of last year by the ministry.
The ministry had in December last year called for a selective tender in which eight companies participated. On the 14th of December, the tenders were opened.
Eight companies submitted tenders as follows; Motyn Nigeria ltd, N18, 143,9280,000; Verbetyn Nigeria ltd, N22,553,475,000; Solicom ltd, N24, 822,952,000; Global Intact & Sons Ltd, N23,893,542,777;
Other are Joint Aviation Services Ltd, Euro,159,765,930; GNY Management & Consulting US$13,594,000; Asset Management Corp Ltd. N17,670,000,000 and Dalhatu Construction Ltd, N11,280,000,000.
It was gathered the tender was called with the notion that the funds meant for the acquisition of the helicopters were available and already designated for the purpose of purchasing them.
Unconfirmed reports however had it that the money for the purchase of the helicopters was donated to the Nigerian government by a notable international organization.
Others sources say that there were plans by some powerful cabal in the ministry to subvert the tender process and award the contract to a proxy.
The fact that the winner of the bid for the supply of the helicopters is yet to be officially announced further confirms the moves by the cabal to actualize their interest.
According to the source, the explanation of the ministry that the result of the tender was being delayed because of paucity of funds was an after-thought as it is intended to serve as a cover up to the plot to manipulate the tender for selfish pecuniary interests.
“If the 2011 did not provide for the purchase of helicopters (Mi-17SH), why then did the Ministry of Defence call for “Select”-Tender?
“Is it procedurally right for the Ministry of Defence to call for tender for the purchase of helicopters before expressly or by necessary implication, proposing such expenditure in the 2012 appropriation bill”, our source queried as he debunked the ministry’s explanation of the delay as tissue of lies.
- Report courtesy of AfricanExaminer.com