Ibrahim Magu, the chairman of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has finally explained why former
president Goodluck Jonathan has not been arrested over $2.1 billion
arms deal.
The fund, which was managed by the office of former national security
adviser, Sambo Dasuki, has led to the questioning, arrest and detention
of many prominent Nigerians. However, some people are still wondering
why the ex-president, who is believed to be the principal actor in the
unfolding scenario, has not been arrested or summoned for questioning.
The Eagle Online reports that Magu gave the explanation on Monday,
January 11, speaking at a gathering of online news publishers under the
aegis of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers in Lagos.
The EFCC boss said that no document has been traced to Jonathan
giving any approval for the disbursement of the money for any other
purpose than arms purchase.
He further noted that all those questioned so far in connection with
the money were people who disbursed or collected it for reasons other
than the purchase of arms and ammunition.
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“All approvals by former president Jonathan did not mention that it was for political purposes.
“All the memos approved by him was for the purchase of arms,” he said.
Magu said that Jafar Isa who was arrested for receiving N170 million from Dasuki has already refunded N100 million and signed an undertaking to refund the balance. However, he added that despite the refund, Isa would still be prosecuted.
Speaking about Olisa Metuh, the EFCC boss revealed that the national
publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party said he would rather
go on hunger strike than refund the N400 million he allegedly collected from Dasuki.
Maga also said that Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former boss of Nigerian
Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, was recently re-arrested
after new evidences of alleged embezzlement of N34.5 billion and another
N600 million were linked to him.
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The EFCC chairman stressed that the war against graft was not
selective and assured Nigerians that his agency was not teleguided in
the ongoing anti-corruption fight.
He called on the media to join the EFCC to win the anti-corruption
war and noted that the victory would be for the benefit of the next
generation.
Meanwhile, there are indications that some prominent Nigerians might soon be invited by the anti-graft agency.
According to sources close to the EFCC, the people on the list
include ex-Board of Trustees chairman of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih,
Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, Chief Olu Falae, the former Oyo state governor,
Rasheed Ladoja, and a few others.
The
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has
described corruption as the main opposition to President Muhammadu
Buhari’s administration.
He described corruption as an unusual but powerful opposition.
According to a statement issued on
Monday, the SGF made this remark in Abuja during a meeting with a
delegation of the Coalition of Progressive Political Parties led by Mr.
Ibrahim Bashir of the Peoples Democratic Movement.
Lawal, however, said that with President
Buhari’s honesty and integrity, the Federal Government would win the
anti-corruption war, adding that Nigerians and God were behind the
present government.
He commended the efforts of the other
political parties supporting the Federal Government in the
anti-corruption war and stated that their position was driven by
patriotic reasons.
The SGF stressed that the ‘ethical
revolution’ of the present administration should be encouraged so that
Nigerians could benefit from the change agenda.
The statement quoted Lawal as saying,
“What the Federal Government is now focusing on is good governance that
will bring rapid development and growth to the nation, irrespective of
political affiliations. Corruption is President Buhari’s main
opposition, rather than a political party.
“I reiterate my admiration and support
to the Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, for the impressive
development that is taking place in Ebonyi State, despite being a member
of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“President Buhari is a meticulous,
honest and just leader who will ensure that Nigerians will soon start
enjoying the change that he promised during the 2015 general elections
campaign.