The camp of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan is reported to be in disarray on how to refund the N3.145 billion allegedly shared by six Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chiefs. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had recently uncovered how N3.145b was paid into the accounts of six PDP chieftains and the Goodluck Support Group by the Central Bank of Nigeria in the build-up to the last presidential elections.
The beneficiaries include a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (N840m); a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and leader of the Social Democratic Party, Chief Olu Falae(N100m); Mrs. (N36.9m); a former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa and a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri(N350m) and Okey Ezenwa(N100m).
While the EFCC is working towards the recovery of the funds, some of the beneficiaries were reported by The Nation, to have gone to seek refuge with the former President, but he’s said to be reluctant to wade into the the fresh scandal. While some of them insist that they spent the money on Jonathan’s re-election campaign, others are presently sourcing for the funds.
A source was quoted to have said:
“There is confusion in Jonathan’s camp. Many top members of the campaign committee were dazed that such huge cash was shared without any general information. Some of them have volunteered to testify against some of the beneficiaries if the EFCC digs deeper. They have been threatening to expose other dirty deals.”
“Also, ex-President Jonathan has stayed away from the matter. One of the beneficiaries went to the ex-President for a bailout but the former leader said he will ‘not assist anybody but they should go and return whatever was given to them.”
“The beneficiary was said to have diverted N500million out of the N2billion, which he was to remit to the committee. He only gave out N1.5billion. The case of some public officers involved in the deal was worse because the former President has asked everyone to bear his or her own cross. As it is now, those given the cash will have to look for ways to refund it.”
Meanwhile, a member of the Campaign Committee was quoted to have said: “We are not united on this N3.145billion. Some of us were disappointed that they got money without telling us. Let them go and face the music.”