By Francis Ogbuagu,Benin City
The Nigerian Government has concluded plans to receive about Sixty Million British Pounds( being part of looted fund by the James Ibori administration in Delta State) from the United Kingdom.
The two countries have been working on modalities for the repatriation of the much awaited fund.
The Deputy Executive Director of African Environment and Economic Justice(ANEEJ), Mr Leo Atakpu disclosed this while fielding questions from Journalists at a two day workshop organized by ANEEJ for Journalists and Civil Society Organizations in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.
Recall that the ex governor, Chief James Ibori was convicted by the Southwark Crown Court in London in 2012 on a 10 count charge bordering on money- laundry,he was sentenced to 13 years behind bars. and was released in 2016.
Atakpu, representing the Executive Director of the African Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) Rev David Ugolor spoke at the two day workshop with the theme, “Edo State Integrity and Accountability Strategy” he said,that there is discussion on-going between the Nigerian Government and the U K Government over the release of about 60 million Pounds part ofthe James Ibori loot,and that the two countries are working on the modalities for repatriation of the money.
He, also stated that the UK Government is insisting on some projects that will have direct impact on the common people. According to him other looted funds being expected are the 300 million dollars Abacha 4 expected from the Irish Government, 900,000 Diepreye Alamieyeseigha loot,being expected from the United States of America,among others.
“About 60 million Pounds Ibori loot is being expected from UK, there is already discussion between Nigerian Government and the UK Government on one hand and the Federal Government and the Delta State Government. The Federal Government is to collect the 30% of the retariated fund.While the awaited Abacha 4 (the 300 million dollars expected from Ireland) is agreed to be used for the three legacy projects ( the 2nd Niger Bridge,the Lagos- Ibadan Express Way and the Abuja- Kaduna Road)
“While the Diepreye Alamieyeseigha $900,000 loot is expected from USA,was formally agreed to be used for Judge’s Quarters,it was later agreed to be used for primary Health facility,as that will have direct impact on common people.” He said
