Chairman of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee
investigating the fraudulent Malabu oil deal, Razak Atunwa, on Wednesday
explained that only the immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan can
resolve the crisis surrounding the controversial Malabu oil deal, also
known as OPL 245.
Recall that the committee had earlier extended an invitation to the former President with regards to the oil deal.
Speaking during a press briefing by the committee, Atunwa said
Jonathan’s appearance is key to unraveling the alleged corruption,
malpractices and breach of due process in the award of OPL 245.
According to Atunwa, the Committee having conducted extensive
investigation into the OPL 245 deal found it proper to get the testimony
of Jonathan in concluding its work.
He said, “The Committee is of the view that in the interest of
thoroughness, natural justice and fair play, it imperative that evidence
should be taken from former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“In arriving at this decision, the Committee took account of the
following facts: Mr. Jonathan was the President at the material time the
Ministers brokered the deal that lead to the allegation of $1 billion
diversion of funds;
“Mr Jonathan’s name features in the proceedings initiated by the Public Prosecutor of Milan in Italy.
“A United Kingdom Court Judgment in relation to an application to
return part of the money being restrained, castigated the Jonathan
Administration as not having acted in the best interest of Nigeria in
relation to the ‘deal.
“The Attorney-General of the Federation at the material time,
Mohammed Bello Adoke, has recently instituted proceedings in court
wherein he pleads that all his actions were as as instructed by former
President Goodluck Jonathan.”
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