Ibori Loot: Reps Ask FG To Stop Disbursement

Posted by Nwa Diokpa Featured, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Thursday, March 11th, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The House of Representatives has enjoined the federal government to stop the disbursement of the £4.2m loot of former governor of Delta State, James Onanefe Ibori.

It was earlier reported that the United Kingdom on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria to return £4.2 million assets stolen by James Ibori.

Also, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, stated that the fund will be used for infrastructural projects.

However, the House of Representatives in a resolution passed a resolution in a plenary session on Wednesday saying that the sum of £4.2m being proceeds of crime recovered from Ibori “is being transferred to the coffers of the Federal Government of Nigeria for appropriation without recourse to the Delta State Government and or Parliament in two weeks’ time”.

The lawmakers stated that “the said recovered looted funds belongs to the good people of Delta State and as such ought to be refunded to the coffers of the Delta State Government for developmental purposes”.

According to the lawmakers, if the federal government is allowed to use the funds it will prevent the Delta State government of their legitimate resources to improve the economy of the state.

The lawmakers stated that the total sum is £6.2 million, and not £4.2 million as being reported in the media.

“From all indications and information to Delta state indicate that the actual money is £6.2m and federal government should ensure that the total of £6.2m is credited not £4.2m as stated,” they said.

After a unanimous adoption of the motion, the house enjoined the federal government to stop “forthwith further appropriation and/or disbursement of recovered loot of 4.2 million pounds pending the final determination of the matter by the House”.