A non-governmental organisation, Centre for Reform Education Initiative (CREI) on Wednesday stated that the ex-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman, Chief Tony Anenih deserves commendation for explaining his role in the $2.1billion arms deal.
The group said Anenih’s courage, which he displayed by writing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should be emulated by other politicians. Chief Anenih had last week written to the EFCC disclosing that the sum of N260 million was paid into his bank account from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). He equally explained how he shared the money.
Speaking through its Executive Director, Hon. Chinwe Ugwu, and made available to journalists in Enugu, the group 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 N260 million to Anenih.
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