Biya orders probe into plane-purchase scandal

By Amindeh Blaise Atabong in Yaounde

The head of state, Paul Biya has ordered an inquiry in to the purchase of two Chinese MA-60 planes, transport minister, Robert Nkili told senators last Friday in session. Robert Nkili made the declaration after distancing himself from the shady plane-purchase deal that has so far been mired in controversy.

Fielding questions from senators concerning the irregularities that surrounded the purchase of the plane, Nkili said the deal was well- advanced before he became minister of transport. He insisted that he knew and had nothing to do with the deal.

It should be mentioned that the cover of those involved in the plane-purchase deal was blown by Wouri SDF MP, Jean Michel Nintcheu. The rip-off is linked to the negotiations between Cameroon and China to furnish the lone state air transport company, CAMAIR-CO with two planes.

Nintcheu uncovered the racket during a question and answer session in parliament on June 26. Nintcheu who is also the SDF regional chairman for Littoral made the revelation while grilling the minister of transport, Robert Nkilli. He stated with affirmation that the negotiations took place in 2011 and the planes were bought without an offer for tenders.

Hon. Nintcheu had asked Nkili how and why the government spent 34billion FCFA to purchase two Chinese MA.60 aero planes that were valued by ex perts at the cost of 5.6 billion FCFA each. He mooted that the republic of Congo which was party to the negotiations obtained the same aircrafts at a total cost of 7billion FCFA including costs of spare parts, training of local technicians, interests and maintenance cost for an indefinite period.

Nintcheu said the minister of transport had earlier shamelessly stated in his address at the assembly that the government had spent some 31 billion FCFA for the purchase of the planes including costs of spare parts and training of CAMAIR-co technicians. On this account, the SDF MP sought to get clarifications on the extra 20billion FCFA. He also expressed doubts if the suspected extra amount was the only money that went into the pockets of the commission members who negotiated for the purchase of the aircrafts.

The SDF MP not only pointed an accusing finger at the transport minister and the minister of economy, planning and regional development, but also at members of the commission who were selected from the presidency and the prime minister’s office.

The members of government who were involved in the deal were further criticised by Nintcheu who said; “What’s worse is that you people were not satisfied with enriching yourselves with the tax payer’s money, you deliberately put the lives of Cameroonians in danger by purchasing planes which experts have described as flying coffins. You put the lives of passengers and personnel at risk as well as the lives of citizens each time those planes are used.” He said the MA-60 airplanes can be compared to the Russian Iliochine and Tupolev planes which were boycotted by many airliners and banned from some airspace.

A seemingly- confused Robert Nkilli simply played Pontus Pilate. He admitted that that the Congolese government obtained the planes at a cheaper cost, but stated that he is not aware of the financial negotiations that went on between those who negotiated for Cameroon. Nkilli said he is only a user of the planes and is not concerned with the purchase and that the SDF MP should question the individuals who took part in the financial talks. His response however did not appear convincing to the parliamentarians.

 The deal which now appears shady was sealed by the minister of economy, planning and regional development, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, when he signed a 34.4billion FCFA convention with the Chinese ambassador to Cameroon. The convention was to enable the government obtain the two MA-60 planes that were later handed to CAMAIR-CO.