Group commends Anenih for writing EFCC

By Emeka Mamah

The Centre for Reform Education Initiative, CREI, has commended the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih over his honesty and uprightness in writing to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, without anybody’s prompting to explain his role in the $2.1 billion Arms deal saga.

Anenih had on his own last writing to inform the EFCC that N260 million was paid into his bank account from the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, explaining further how he shared the money, which was believed to have come from the alleged arms fund.

In a statement signed by the Executive Director of CREI, Chinwe Ugwu it said that Anenih’s action was not only exemplary but “an indication that he harboured no criminal tendencies whatsoever.”

Ugwu further noted that it was instructive that the elder statesman shared out the money as directed and never benefited from it.

“We want to commend Chief 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 roles.

“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,” Ugwu stated.

The 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.

“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,” the statement added.

According to Anenih letter to the EFCC, N63 million was given 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.

He also told EFCC that he didn’t benefit from the money, but that he only disbursed it, according to instructions.