The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered how N3.145billion was paid into the accounts of six PDP chieftains and the Goodluck Support Group (GSG) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the build-up to the last presidential elections. The beneficiaries include a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (N840m); a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and leader of the Social Democratic Party, Chief Olu Falae(N100m); Mrs. (N36.9m); a former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa and a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri(N350m) and Okey Ezenwa(N100m).
As the EFCC moves to recover the N3.145billion, there is confusion in ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s camp as it’s learnt that some of the beneficiaries ran to Jonathan but he insisted that he will not bail out any minister or public officer involved in the deal. Going by reports, some members of the defunct PDP Campaign Committee were shocked that such a huge amount was collected under the table by a few directors. To this end, they have asked the beneficiaries to bear the consequences of diversion of public funds. While some claimed that they expended the money on Jonathan’s re-election campaign, others were running round to source for the funds from some PDP chieftains and former members of the Federal Executive Council to cover up their track.
A top source however told The NATION that: “There is confusion in Jonathan’s camp. Many top members of the campaign committee were dazed that such huge cash was shared without any general information. Some of them have volunteered to testify against some of the beneficiaries if the EFCC digs deeper. They have been threatening to expose other dirty deals. Also, ex-President Jonathan has stayed away from the matter. One of the beneficiaries went to the ex-President for a bailout but the former leader said he will ‘not assist anybody but they should go and return whatever was given to them. The beneficiary was said to have diverted N500million out of the N2billion, which he was to remit to the committee. He only gave out N1.5billion. The case of some public officers involved in the deal was worse because the former President has asked everyone to bear his or her own cross. As it is now, those given the cash will have to look for ways to refund it.”
