By Raphael Onyekachukwu
A non-governmental organisation NGO, Centre for Reform Education Initiative (CREI) has applauded the courage and honesty of ex- Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT) chairman, Chie Tony Anenih, in writing the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to explain his role in the 2.1billon dollars arms saga.
Chief Anenih had last week written to the EFCC confessing that the sum of N260 million was paid into his bank account from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA); and explained how he shared the money.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) believes that the cash came from the allegedly misappropriated $2.1 billion arms funds.
The group in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Hon. Chinwe Ugwu, and made available to newsmen Wedensday in Enugu,said Anenih’s action was exemplary and an indication that he harbours no criminal tendencies of whatever nature.
Ugwu noted that it was instructive and most commendable that the elder statesman shared out the money as he was directed and never benefitted from the money.
The statement read: “We want to commend Chief Tony Anenih, for being a leading light in the ongoing fight against corruption.
“Although, he was not approached by the EFCC, he voluntarily offered to help the anti-corruption agency by owning up and explaining his role.
“That the elder statesman did not deny receiving money and was bold enough to state categorically how he shared the money that was paid into his account from the Office of the former NSA shows that he is an incorruptible leader and will not condone corruption in whatever form”, the statement stated.
CREI, further explained that Anenih’s posture was “quite different from some people who though, collected the money but are denying and even boasting that they will not refund a dime’’
According to the group, instead of crucifying people like Anenih, “they should be commended for standing for the truth even in the face of obvious provocation, false allegations and deliberate attempt to soil his hard earned reputation”.
It will be recalled that Anenih wrote to the EFCC to state, among others, that he gave N63 million to a group coordinated by a former Special Assistant to former President Shehu Shagari (National Assembly Liaison), Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, for the 2015 presidential election.
Anenih also told EFCC that he didn’t benefit from the money, but that he only shared it, following instructions.
“One of the charges against the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki and a former Director of Finance and Administration in the office, Shaibu Salisu, was the transfer of N260million to Anenih.
“That you Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki whilst being National Security Adviser and Shaibu Salisu, whilst being the Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on or about 28th November 2014 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and in such capacities entrusted with dominion over certain properties to wit: the sum of N260million being part of the funds in the account of the ONSA with Skye Bank Plc committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property when you transferred same to the bank account of Tony Anenih with First Bank of Nigeria Plc and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol.4, LFN 2004.”
