‘Okonjo-Iweala should face criminal prosecution,’ Governor says

monjola sotubo

December 2, 2015 2:07 PM

Oshiomhole, who had previously criticized Okonjo-Iweala for her handling of Nigeria’s economy, made the remark during a recent interview.

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole has said that former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala should face criminal prosecution for spending public funds without the National Assembly’s approval.

Oshiomhole, who had previously criticized Okonjo-Iweala for her handling of Nigeria’s economy, made the remark during an interview with Leadership.

“The issue is whether the Nigerian President under the constitution has the power to approve funds belonging to local, state and federal government- funds that have not been appropriated by the National Assembly. That is a criminal offense for which Okonjo-Iweala ought to face criminal prosecution,” he said.

“These things are just discussed and wished away. For me, I will stick for the truth and don’t care what people will say. Talking about revelation, look at the letter credited to Dasuki – the immediate past National Security Adviser. In his defence which I read in your paper, he seems to admit that money was spent but it was approved by the President. Does the Nigerian constitution empower the President to spend money which has not been appropriated by the National Assembly?

“And they took cash from the CBN. The Money Laundering Act says if you take cash in excess of N5 million transaction, it is money laundering and it is criminal. So, by Dasuki’s letter, he has also confirmed that Okonjo-Iweala is a privy to spending money never appropriated and therefore criminal, and that cash were being moved contrary to the money laundering act. Just using Dasuki’s own defence, you can see a case of conspiracy has been established between Dasuki, Okonjo-Iweala and all those involved in that transaction,” Oshiomhole added.

READ: One of Jonathan's ministers stole $6bn - Oshiomhole

Former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasukiwas arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS) on December 1, 2015, after being accused of laundering N337 billion in funds meant for arming Nigeria’s military.

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