Nigerian govt denies buying exotic cars for African first ladies

Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) - The Nigerian presidency Wednesday denied media reports which alleged that the government purchased 200 new "exotic" cars for the African First Ladies Summit which formally opens in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, this week.

In a press statement, signed by the Special Adviser to the president on Media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the presidency said the true facts of the matter are as follows:

That the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) which is holding its summit in Abuja is a Non-Governmental Organisation whose activities are funded by stakeholders and members of the private sector who support and identify with its objectives.

That in accordance with its modus operandi, the AFLPM set up several committees, including a finance committee, to raise funds and sponsorship for the organization of its Abuja Summit.

That as part of its own contributions to the successful hosting of the summit by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Coscharis Motors Ltd. had offered to provide some cars for the event at no cost to the organizers or to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

That under an agreement signed by the committee and Coscharis Motors, all the cars will be returned to the company after the summit.
-0- PANA PR/VAO 25July2012