EFCC

EFCC, Presidential Library And Corruption Crusade In Nigeria

Abdu Isa Kofarmata

Let me begin with a call to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes commission, EFCC. As a matter of immediate urgency, the EFCC boss should release all people in his custody and all impounded properties and vehicles of 419 suspects should be returned to their owners without further delay.

The recent fund raising for the presidential library in Ogun state the home state of Obasanjo, has not only raised suspicion to the president claim of fighting corruption but made Nigeria and the EFCC a laughing stock; A vengeance commission if you wish. Recently, the president under the cover and collaboration of some foreign crooks lunched a presidential library appeal fund. Among the crooks were Mr. Karl Masters and Andrew Young. Other local business crooks and corrupt corporate bodies included, Mr. Adenuga, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Julius Berger etc.

For the benefit of those Nigerians who do not know Karl Masters, he is the president and CEO of Good works International located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. His group has over the years been on the payroll of the Federal government of Nigeria. This group has since 1999 been paid millions of dollar to promote the image of Nigeria in USA and also serves as a lobby group on behalf of Nigerian government. This American crook who is connected with many international cult groups was the co-chairman of the N7 billion fund raising ceremonies.

Another American collaborator is Mr. Andrew Young, former US ambassador to Nigeria. He has been a long time pal to president Obasano. He lobbied for the release of Obasanjo from prison detention during the Abacha regime. He s also on the nation’s payroll since 1999 and has over 6 years of Obasanjo’s administration been milking the oil wells of Nigeria. These two Americans brought part of the stolen NNPC money as donation to the unwarranted presidential library.

The local business fronts such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who donated N50 million to the National mosque was there to doll out N201 million to the presidential library. We are all aware of his recent interest in the petroleum sector, thus Mr. Kopolokun was at hand to register his donations, just the way it was done to him during the N1 billon donation to PDP, and the subsequent N4 billion waivers extended to him in 2003.

Mr. Adenuga of Conoil donated N250 million. Could it be part of the proceeds of the take over deal of National oil or what? Julius Berger Plc, the company that its name is synonymous to corruption was there also to lend a helping hand. What was not clear was whether CBN donated in its usual magnanimity. Wole Tininbu of the N300 million Vmobile refund fame was there too.

One important point to note here is did Obasanjo know from where the state governors that were present, sourced the money they donated? Similarly, did Obasanjo know where ministers and other CEOs of various ministries and parastatals sourced their donated money? I think it is time for Mallam Ribadu to stop harassing other Nigerians on corruption. That presidential extortion is the biggest financial crime committed publicly.

It is also pertinent to remind the organizers that, where presidential library is provided, it s done after the president has vacated office. For instance 5 years after the former US president Clinton left office, people gathered and donated for the establishment of his library. Ours is different. Mr. Kupolokun, NNPC group head, drafted the invitations so that donors can be compensated through his organization. Again, Obasanjo is fully aware of the fact that after his tenure, even his wife, Stella would not donate to his library.

In conclusion, I call on Mallam Ribadu again to please in the interest of justice and fair play release all detainees in his custody. Mallam Ribadu, you are unable to arrest and prosecute the presidential library donors though, most of them are public office holders, and you find it difficult to arrest and prosecute Charles Soludo, Osomo, Gbenga Obasanjo, Stella Obasanjo, Bode Geoge, Aminu Dabo etc, and you foolishly want us to believe your fight against corruption. Think twice, please. We are wiser than your expectation, Cop!