Delta State Elders Reacts To FG Claim Of £4.2 Million Ibori Looted Fund

In response to the federal government of Nigeria’ claim of £4.2 million Ibori looted fund expected to be returned to Country, the Delta State Elders forum on Tuesday faulted the decision of the federal government to spend the forfeited fund stolen by the former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, on the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano Expressway and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Delta Elders’ Forum (DEF), led by a former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, also opposed the plan of the federal government to use the funds to complete roads in other states when federal roads in the state are in deplorable condition.

The forum also found as unacceptable the argument of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, that the federal government is appropriating the funds because the offenders committed a federal offence, contending that in the similar case of forfeiture by former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Dieprieye Alamieyeseigha, the repatriated funds went to the state.

Ibori, in 2012, had pleaded guilty to money laundering and other charges in a UK court and was consequently sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.

Some of his associates were also convicted and sentenced to prison over similar charges.

The United Kingdom is now set to return the £4.2 million recovered from associates of Ibori to Nigeria.

The UK and Nigeria yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja to kick-start the process.

Malami, who signed on behalf of the federal government, said in consonance with existing framework engaged in the management of previous recoveries, the Federal Executive Council had directed that the repatriated funds should be spent on completing the Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano Expressway and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway under the coordination of the NSIA.