N1Billion Waiver: FAAN Exonerates Financial Director

Chinedu Eze

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has debunked the allegation that its newly appointed Director of Finance, Mr. Tochukwu Bede Uchendu, was sacked because he granted N1 billion unauthorised waiver in addition to irregularities in his appointment.

The agency said neither was there any waiver given by Uchendu nor was there any irregularity in his appointment, describing the report as mischievous and non-existent.

FAAN in a statement signed by its General Manager, Corporate Communication, Yakubu Dati and made available to THISDAY at the weekend said the Director of Finance in the agency does not have the authority to grant waivers.

Last week a sack letter was indicated to have been served Mr. Uchendu from the Ministry of Aviation alleging that there was irregularities in his appointed, but a statement from FAAN at the weekend said, “The Authority hereby wishes to state that the story in question was not only false but also malicious as Uchendu’s appointment was neither irregular nor did he ever grant waiver to any FAAN customer, not to talk of waiver amounting to over one billion naira.

“The Director of Finance of the Authority does not have the power to grant waiver to any customer. On his appointment, Mr. Uchendu was only asked to wait for the conclusion of all formalities (due process). That process is still on-going. We therefore urge members of the public to discountenance the said story,” the agency said.

There were also indications that the mix-up cost the permanent sectary of the Ministry, Mohammed Abbas his job as he was directed last Wednesday to vacate his position and hand over to Hajia Binta Bello who is now the new permanent Secretary of the Ministry.

The allegation of the waiver was said to have emanated from the Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) which wrote a letter against Uchendu’s appointment, but FAAN source said the letter was done in bad taste.

A member of the labour union said the association was teleguided by people with parochial interests that eye that position in FAAN, adding that by misinforming the public about the Director of Finance, ATSSSAN has negated its responsibility of protecting the interest and welfare of workers and delved into politics.

“When the matter was tabled we said this matter was of no consequence to get into; that we should not be getting into personal matters that do not give strength to our association or help us in our duties. But a few days after a circular was sent to me and I was surprised. But I know those who are behind that,” a senior official of ATSSSAN said.