Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), an anti-corruption watch-dog, has queried former President Goodluck Jonathan, demanding his explanations on the alleged diversion and sharing of over $2 billion meant for purchase of arms to fight insurgents.
The letter dated January 8, 2016 and signed by SERAP Executive Director Adetokunbo Mumuni says the explanation becomes imperative because nothing of such magnitude could have happened without the knowledge or approval of Dr. Jonthan who presided over the affairs of the country until May 29, 2015.
The letter read in parts: “SERAP is sending you this open letter to seek explanations from you, as former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, on what you knew, or had reason to know on the apparent diversion and sharing of the over $2 billion meant to purchase arms to empower Nigerian soldiers to fight Boko Haram.
“SERAP considers that there is enough material in the public domain to suggest that over $2 billion meant for purchasee of arms to equip Nigerians soldiers fighting Boko Haram in the North East of the country was diverted and shared among high-ranging government and party officials under your watch as President and Commandr-in-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces.
“SERAP and indeed Nigerians reserve the right to pursue justice through appropriate national and international accountability mechanisms to ensure that everyone involved in this heinous crime is brought to justice in accordance with international standards of fairness.
“Is it correct to suggest that the budget of over $2 billion to purchase arms for Nigerian soldiers fighting Boko Haram in the North-East of the country was authorised by you or your office? In other words, did your former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) seek your approval to collect from the Central Bankof Nigeria the over $2 billion meant for purchase of arms for Nigerian soldiers?”
“If so, Nigerians would like to hear from you whether the apparent diversion and sharing of our commonwealth by your former NSA was expressly or implicitly authorised by you. Nigerians are eagerly awaiting your clarifications on the issues raised above, and your apology.”
By Olisemeka Obeche