2-IN-1 STORY: ₦31b Loot: Jonathan’s Camp To Seek Talks With Buhari; I Got No Cash For Attack, Says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari

*Suspects opt to refund cash for freedom *North’s leaders may intervene

President Muhammadu Buhari and his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, may soon meet over the mind- boggling revelations from the arms cash probe. Former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki, who is standing trial for alleged misapplication and fraudulent disbursement of over ₦31b meant for purchase of arms, has alleged in his statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that all his disbursements were approved by the ex-President.

The Nation report continues:

Sources said some associates of Dr. Jonathan were arranging a private meeting between the leaders to enable Jonathan “straighten out” some things with the President.

The ex-President is believed to be desirous of addressing some of the allegations in confidence because he is not keen on speaking publicly “so as not to heat up the polity”.

It was also gathered that the ex-President’s camp noted that some of the ₦31billion cash was sourced from “security votes and budget for Special Services”.

“Jonathan will prefer a private audience with the President rather than taking up issues with the suspects in public. Some of the expenditures have grave security implications as they involve some neighbouring countries,” a source said, adding:

“As a statesman, Jonathan cannot just open up at all. For example, there is a unit where the overhead of past Presidents and Heads of State was taken care of. Some of the funds disbursed by the office had to do with these funds. If Jonathan speaks, will he not rubbish these past leaders?

“Some Presidents from some countries sought financial assistance from ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. Do you expect the former leader to issue a statement on such a sensitive request?”

The source spoke of how Nigeria bought vehicles and some equipment for some countries from the funds, adding that diplomatic etiquette does not allow such a disclosure.

“At a point, there was negotiation to end Boko Haram insurgency. This type of deal cannot be put in the public domain”, he said, pleading not to be named because he is not permitted to talk to the media.

Also yesterday, it was learnt that some of the suspects facing trial may opt to return looted funds and forfeit some assets in exchange for freedom or light sentences.

It was also learnt that some leaders of the North may prevail on President Buhari for soft-landing for some of the suspects.

About ₦31billion has been traced to more than nine suspects facing trial in Abuja courts.

Some of the suspects, according to sources close to the investigations, are already overwhelmed by the evidence against them and would prefer the plea bargain option.

The suspects are said to have volunteered to return the funds traced to them and their cronies through phoney companies.

They are also said to be considering the plea bargain option to save time and get lighter jail terms where conviction becomes necessary.

The names of the suspects seeking plea bargain were kept under wraps last night, but only a former Minister of State for Finance, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, has indicated his willingness to recover ₦600million out of the over ₦1billion traced to him.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Despite the fact that most of the suspects pleaded not guilty, some of them have been considering plea bargain to get off the hook.

“Those affected have told the EFCC in confidence that they want to return looted funds and assets for outright state pardon or lighter jail terms.

“These few ones seeking plea bargain said they ought to regain freedom to retrieve funds where they are stashed.

“In fact, one of the suspects said having admitted that he had slush funds, there was nothing to prove in court again.”

Last night, counsel to one of the key suspects said: “I think there is a plea bargain offer by some suspects. Some lawyers appearing in the cases have been meeting to enable the nation to get some of these funds back.

“These suspects would, however, prefer to return funds and assets to the EFCC for outright pardon.

“As I am talking to you, we have not reached any conclusion on the terms of plea bargain to be presented to the EFCC, which is prosecuting all the suspects.”

Some elders, led by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation are said to be pushing for soft landing for some of those on trial.

The elders are said to be worried that most of the suspects are from the North.

It was learnt that the elders had been under pressure to save these key Northern figures on trial.

But some of the elders, who are unsure of President Buhari’s reaction, were said to have met with presidential confidants.

There were plans last night for the elders to have an audience with the President.

Another source said: “These elders want a plea bargain alternative, which will lead to the surrendering of all looted funds by the suspects.

“Thereafter, an amicable political solution will be reached to allow the suspects to go home and sin no more. Alternatively, those with bad cases can serve lighter jail terms.”

I Got No Cash For Attack, Says Buhari

•President entitled to two SUVs

The Presidency last night declared that President Muhammadu Buhari did not get any monetary compensation from the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan for the Boko Haram attack on his convoy in Kaduna.

The clarification was contained in a statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to reports making the rounds, especially on internet-based media, that President Muhammadu Buhari received US$300,000.00 and up to five armoured SUVs from the Office of the National Security Adviser in the aftermath of the attack on his convoy in Kaduna, last year.

“We unequivocally deny that President Buhari received US$300,000.00 or any monetary compensation whatsoever from the Jonathan Presidency or any of its officials, in the aftermath of that attack, or at any other time since then.

“While it is true that one armoured SUV and one untreated SUV were sent to the President in the aftermath of the attack, the vehicles were in keeping with his entitlements as a former Head of State under the Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State (And other Ancillary Matters) Decree of 1999.

“Section 3, Sub Section 1 of that Decree provides that three vehicles will be provided for former heads of state and replaced every four years.”

“There was therefore nothing untoward, illegal or tending to corruption in former Head of State Buhari and Presidential aspirant, as he then was, receiving vehicles, to which he was statutorily entitled, from the Federal Government of Nigeria.

President Buhari was said to have shunned most of his entitlements as a former Head of State in keeping with his austere, spartan and frugal disposition.

But President Buhari was prevailed upon by his supporters to accept the two vehicles for his personal safety in the aftermath of the dastardly attempt to assassinate him.
The statement said it was preposterous to think that the President will allow his acclaimed reputation of honesty and incorruptibility to be tarnished by accepting a questionable monetary compensation from a discredited regime.