by Oke Efagene

The Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah will appear before the Senate committee on Aviation next Thursday, December 5,  to explain the incessant rate of air crashes in Nigeria.

Oduah was previously scheduled to appear before the senate in plenary two weeks ago but the Senate unexpectedly rescinded its decision and rather referred her to the Committee on Aviation.

The Senate earlier suspended its first scheduled meeting with Oduah due to the absence of Senate President David Mark.

Leadership reports:

It would be recalled that the minister and heads of Aviation parastatals were issued sweeping summons by the Senate to explain the rate of crashes and near crashes in the country after the crash of the Associated Airline carrying the body of late Ondo governor Olusegun Agagu which claimed 16 lives.

In a move seen by many as  move to give the minister a soft landing, the Senate rescinded its earlier decision for the minister and other heads of Aviation parastatals to appear before the Upper House to explain the incidence of air crashes in the country.

The Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma – Egba (SAN) had informed lawmakers that the Senate president had signified his intention to “personally” preside over the Senate session with Oduah, a request that was speedily granted by senators at the plenary presided over by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.

It is also recalled that the Senate Committee chairman on Aviation, Senator Hope Uzodinma ( Imo PDP) also told the Senate Correspondents that the lawmakers had nothing to hide that Oduah will appear before the committee. Mark was to lead the federal government delegation to the United Arab Emirates for the finals of the FIFA Under – 17 World Cup between Nigeria and Mexico that Thursday.