JUMADA-AWWAL 7, 1429 A.H.
TUESDAY, MAY 13 2008
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Obasanjo, Atiku shun power probe panel *Obj sends letter to committee *Ex-VP says can’t catch flight
The much-expected appearance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo before the House of Representatives Committee on Power and Steel did not materialise afterall as he was said to be indisposed.
Similarly, his deputy, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is out of the country, also failed to appear before the panel as he was said to be unable to secure a flight to return home.
Chairman of the committee, Ndudi Elumelu, said yesterday in Abuja that the former president tendered an apology for his inability to physically appear in a letter sent through his aide, Mr. Taiwo Ojo.
The Chairman said Obasanjo had made available to the committee, his response to all the allegations and counter allegations against him, adding that the committee had accepted the document as exhibit.
Elumelu said the former president in his letter to the committee expressed hope that his presentation would satisfy the yearnings of members and his readiness to entertain any further questions in future.
The letter reads: “After I have prepared my presentation, to put before your committee based on the invitation signed for you, I became slightly indisposed.
“Since I have, on my own, decided to personally respond to your invitation, I do not intend to hold you up.
“I have a fairly comprehensive written submission which I am sending to your committee through my Special Assistant, Mr. Taiwo Ojo.
“You will note in the paper my strong desire to personally present the insights and perspective of mine on power situation.
“I hope the presentation will satisfy the unspecified allegation, counter allegations and approvals that you referred to in your letter of invitation in addition to insights and perspective.’’
Obasanjo also expressed readiness to provide more information the committee might need in the course of its assignment.
Elumelu also said the former vice-president expressed his willingness to appear before the committee at any other convenient date.
He said Atiku sent a correspondence to the committee over his inability to secure a scheduled flight back to Nigeria.
However, the former minister of finance, Mrs Nenadi Usman, appeared before the committee and admitted that she approved payment for some National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP).
Two former speakers of the house, Alhaji Ghali Na’abba and Alhaji Aminu Masari witnessed yesterday’s public hearing.
