Dipo Olowookere
By Ebitonye Akpodigha
Immediate past President of Nigeria, Mr Goodluck Jonathan, has disclosed that the National Security Adviser (NSA) during his administration, Mr Sambo Dasuki, may not have embezzled the $2.2 billion claimed by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
Speaking on Monday at the Oxford Union in the United Kingdom, Mr Jonathan emphasised that it was never possible for Mr Dasuki to have stolen such money.
“They said the National Security Adviser (Mr Dasuki) stole $2.2billion. I don’t believe somebody can just steal $2.2 billion.
“We bought warships, we bought aircraft, we bought lots of weapons for the army and so on and so forth and you are still saying $2.2 billion was stolen. So, where did we get the money to buy all those things?” Mr Jonathan queried while responding to a question about the alleged embezzled fund.
During the event, where the former President spoke on the subject of promoting youth entrepreneurship, Mr Jonathan admitted there was corruption during his government, but said the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was just exaggerating it.
“Yes, there were some issues; yes, there are still corruption issues; but some of it were blown, I’d say exaggerated, and they give a very bad impression about our nation. You cannot say the national security adviser stole $2.2billion. It is not just possible,” the former President said.
He further said, “One thing about the issue of corruption is that these matters are in court, let’s allow some of these processes to end.
“Lately, some judges’ (homes) were also invaded. There are so many things involved, and we have to follow up these matters to a conclusion before we know the fact.
“I don’t want to be seen as a former president challenging what the sitting government is doing so I have decided to keep quiet for the court to look into them.”
Mr Dasuki is presently being held in custody by the Nigerian government and would be re-arraigned on November 16 by the EFCC.
