Politics
We’ll name loot, not looters, FG says
The government has made an about turn on a promise by President Muhammadu Buhari that the Federal Government would reveal the identities of those who have looted the nation’s treasury and the amount and assets recovered, on Democracy Day anniversary.
The government now says it would reveal the monies and assets recovered, but not the identities of those they were recovered from.
Reneging on the promise, the President had earlier stated that the ministry of information would be made available by the ministry of information.
But, while speaking during an interview on Channels tv, the minister of information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said that the government would disclose the assets and funds recovered, but would keep the names of the looters under wraps.
It would be recalled that at the anti-corruption summit in London, Buhari promised to give specific details on recovered loots during his democracy day address.
Read also: #DemocracyDay: We’re laying foundation for growth –Buhari
He said, “So far, what has come out, what has been recovered in whatever currency from each ministries, departments and individuals, I intend on the 29th to speak on this because all Nigerians are getting from the mass media because of the number of people arrested either by the EFCC, DSS. But we want to make a comprehensive report on the 29th”.
However, Mohammed said the list would soon be available, but without the names. “We will get the list but not today; before the end of the week. But I must say not with the names,” he said.
According to him, the development was due to “obvious legal reasons”.
He however admitted, that “Yes he (Buhari) initially said so (naming looters), but he was advised against doing so for legal reasons. Of course, he has a right to reverse himself on that.”
Also speaking on the issue, Senior Special Adviser to the President, on media and publicity also re-enforced the standing that the list would be made available within the week but without making public those whom they have been recovered from.
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