Okonjo-Iweala, others must be prosecuted, Oshiomhole insists

Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, Thursday, declared that anybody implicated in the mismanagement of funds meant for the purchase of arms for the military under President Goodluck Jonathan should be prosecuted.

The governor gave this charge in Abuja at a National Dialogue in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission and the International Human Rights Day.

The governor spoke on the heels of the claim by former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala that she released part of the recovered Abacha loot to former National Security Adviser (NSA) Mohammed Sambo Dasuki.

According to Oshiomhole, the federal government’s quest to recover stolen funds under the immediate past administration will not be meaningful unless Okonjo-Iweala was prosecuted for her alleged role in “supervising and coordinating the mismanagement of the nation’s economy.”

Expatiating, he said: “For example I have read in the newspapers and online, the former Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy saying that she transferred part of the money recovered from Abacha to Dasuki for security purpose.

“Now, the first question the media should ask is, even under conditions of war, money must be appropriated. And the National Assembly, I recall very well, when Aminu Tambuwal was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, they reconvened on Sunday in order to attend to an urgent matter submitted by the President. So, the Constitution is very clear.

“Money was looted and foreign countries helped us to recover that money and a minister assisted in ensuring that that money is re-looted again. And she is there in Washington and you are here languishing.

“I am saying that she also must be brought to justice. They say it is Ali Baba and the forty thieves. Now, you are dealing with the forty thieves and Ali Baba is left alone. The Ali Baba, in this case, Okonjo-Iweala, who supervised, who coordinated the economy, who signed for the release of this money in clear breach of the Constitution, must be tried.

“They must all be investigated. I don’t like the word probe. What are you probing? The facts have been acknowledged, she has admitted that she transferred money. This same Okonjo-Iweala, few months back, had said in the media that Abacha loot was used for development.

“That was what she said then, only for her to turn around yesterday to say no, it was used for security. But whether for development or for security, was Abacha loot covered in the appropriation?” Oshiomhole said.

Also speaking at the occasion, President Muhammadu Buhari assured of his administration’s commitment to rule of law and respect for citizens’ rights.

The President urged military personnel involved in the counter-insurgency war against Boko Haram not to violate their rule of engagement and be careful to respect the rights of the people.

Read also: Why I gave Abacha loot to Dasuki –Okonjo-Iweala

He said the on-going process of resettling people in the Northeast, displaced by the activities of Boko Haram, will soon be completed.

The President was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

The occasion, ‎chaired by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joe Kyari-Gadzama, who represented the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, attracted senior lawyers, diplomats and various civil society organisations.

The event was co-organised by the NHRC and the Nigerian Bar Association‎.

The President urged the United Nations to continue to provide “a platform for the common resolution of problems which today cause so much misery around the world and deny millions of people their basic rights to life and meaningful existence.”

He commended the “gallant armed forces” for protection of the nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring maximum security of lives and property.

While lauding the NHRC for its achievement since its establishment 20 years ago, the President promised that all agencies and institutions of state “will continue to collaborate with the National Human Rights Commission in the discharge of its mandate.”

Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe, said following the Nigerian Military-Human Rights Dialogue facilitated by the commission, there had been “substantial progress” in the discussions “even though areas that require continued engagement still exist”.

He reiterated among others the commitment of the NHRC to ensuring that the rights of IDPs “are appropriately protected.”

Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, represented by UN High Commission for Refugees Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mrs. Angela Antagana, ‎urged all to “re-commit to guaranteeing the fundamental freedoms and protecting the human rights of all.”

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