Posted by By Sun News Publishing on
The Action Congress (AC) has renewed its call on Iyabo Obasanjo to resign as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health due to the conflict of interest resulting from her involvement with Vamed, the firm that is executing a N27 billion contract to refurbish teaching hospitals in the country.
The Action Congress (AC) has renewed its call on Iyabo Obasanjo to resign as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health due to the conflict of interest resulting from her involvement with Vamed, the firm that is executing a N27 billion contract to refurbish teaching hospitals in the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party urged the Senate leadership to remove her if she fails to step down.
It also implored the upper legislative chamber to summon the courage to probe the execution of the massive Vamed contract, amid fresh revelations that the equipment supplied to the teaching hospitals are not working.
'We are worried by the new revelations that the life-saving equipment being supplied to the hospitals as part of their refurbishment are not working, either due to the degraded state of the equipment or lack of the necessary expertise to operate them.
'We urge the Senate to rise above the fact that one of their own is inextricably linked to Vamed's top executive, Prince Albert Awofisayo, and probe the execution of this huge contract, in the interest of all Nigerians. Afterall, the N27 billion was gotten from public funds.
'We need to know, among others, in which of the hospitals the equipment supplied so far have worked, and if they have not worked anywhere, to establish the reason for that.
'Also worthy of investigation are the terms of the contract, and whether or not they include the training of the personnel to handle the necessary equipment. It is important to move fast on this issue, because the life that will be saved by dealing with the matter urgently could be that of anyone!'' AC said.
The party also said it was still awaiting the probe promised by the EFCC into the allegations that Iyabo used false identity to obtain huge government contracts when her father was President.
It said no one should be seen to be above the law, whether in view of his/her family connections or by virtue of the political office being held by such persons.
'The rule of law mantra being mouthed by this administration, and its avowed commitment to the fight against corruption would have been reduced to a hoax if the case involving Iyabo Obasanjo is covered up,'' AC said.
It warned, however, that it would not allow the issue to be swept under the carpet, no matter how long it takes.