Rep urges former President to intervene in Kanu’s release
Former Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Okoi Obono-Obla, has made startling allegations that $69 billion looted by corrupt Nigerians was returned to the looters under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast, Obono-Obla criticised the Buhari administration for allegedly failing to combat corruption effectively, which was a cornerstone of its mandate.
Obono-Obla recounted instances where his efforts to prosecute alleged looters were thwarted within the administration, citing obstructive actions of the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
He highlighted a case involving a significant haul of assets, including 80 brand new armoured Mercedes Benz cars, which were recovered but allegedly returned owing to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of support.
In another case involving a Senator, who was implicated in the Panama Papers for offshore property, Obono-Obla claimed his attempts to investigate the matter were stymied despite presenting evidence to relevant authorities.
He expressed frustration over the lack of action from the President and the Attorney General’s office on such matters. Obono-Obla also criticised the performance of the anti-graft agencies that have performed below standard after he and the former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ibrahim Magu’s departure.He alleged personal animosity from Malami, attributing his suspension from office to political maneuvering.
IN another development, the member representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, Obi Aguocha, has sought the support of the former President, Buhari, for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Aguocha, who visited Buhari at the weekend at his country home in Daura, Katsina, apologised on behalf of Kanu for his “missteps and ill gestures.” He said that a political resolution would address the concerns of the aggrieved parties and promote unity within the country.
Also, on June 23, about 50 members of the House of Representatives asked President Bola Tinubu to order the release of Kanu. The legislators, who identified themselves as Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South-East, asked Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to invoke Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to release Kanu.
On his part, Buhari commended Aguocha for his dedication to serving his people. The former President assured him that he would not be opposed to any political solution for Kanu’s release.
