The immediate past President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday stated that it was not possible for the National Security Adviser (NSA) during his administration, Sambo Dasuki, to have stolen $2.2 billion as claimed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking at the famous Oxford Union, Oxford United Kingdom, on youth entrepreneurship, Jonathan argued that it was “not just possible” for Mr. Dasuki to have stolen $2.2 billion after his administration procured several equipment for the country’s military.
While responding to a question about the alleged missing arms procurement fund now referred to as Dasukigate by the country’s media, the ex-leader said:
“They said the National Security Adviser stole $2.2billion. I don’t believe somebody can just steal $2.2 billion. We bought warships, we bought aircraft, we bought lots of weapons for the army and so on and so forth and you are still saying 2.2 billion, so where did we get the money to buy all those things?”
He admitted that corruption was an issue during his administration but flayed at the current government for some of the allegations, which he classified as exaggerated.
“Yes, there were some issues; yes, there are still corruption issues; but some of it were blown, I’d say exaggerated, and they give a very bad impression about our nation. You cannot say the national security adviser stole $2.2billion. It is not just possible,” he said.
He added that: “One thing about the issue of corruption is that these matters are in court, let’s allow some of these processes to end. Lately some judges’ (homes) were also invaded. There are so many things involved and we have to follow up these matters to conclusion before we know the fact.
“I don’t want to be seen as a former president challenging what the sitting government is doing so I have decided to keep quiet for the court to look into them.”
Dasuki, who has been in detention since December 1, 2015, was arrested by the State Security Service for allegedly misappropriating $2.2 billion meant to purchase equipment for the Nigerian military in its battle against the terrorist Boko Haram group.
Last Friday, an Abuja High Court, granted an application by the EFCC to consolidate two separate cases against the former army Colonel.
A statement issued by the anti-graft commission stated that Mr. Dasuki would be re-arraigned on November 16.