Okonjo-Iweala disowns arms deal fund

There is no end in sight yet in the search for the source or owner of the $9.3 million seized from two Nigerians and an Israeli by the South African Government, as the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Ikonjo-Iweala says she has no knowledge of the fund.
   Dr. Okonjo-Iweala told newsmen yesterday at the Yola International Airport after flagging off the Presidential Committee’s distribution of relief materials to victims of Boko Haram in Adamawa State that her ministry was not aware of the funds purportedly meant for arms purchase.
   “It is only the Ministry of Defence that can speak on that issue, we in the Ministry of Finance are not in the picture of such money or project, we are not arms project ministry,” she said.
   The minister further blamed government’s silence on its activities on opposition parties for their attack on President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that no administration had performed better than the present one in terms of economic, human and infrastructure development.
   “That the present government is not making noise over its activities does not mean it is not working, this government is doing everything possible to ensure that Nigerians are comfortable,” she maintained.
   Okonjo-Iweala further refuted the alleged political colouration in the distribution of the relief materials, saying the claim was fabricated by those afraid of Jonathan’s scored card.
   “We are here in line with the ‘Safe School Initiative’ of the Federal Government and to see that the relief materials are enough to carter for all victims that are able to find their way into the Yola refugee camp,” she explained.
   Also, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna, who was on the entourage, said the Federal Government was packaging some programmes that would empower jobless youths.
   He noted that the military success in Konduga, Borno State, and the killing of several insurgents, including their acclaimed leader, Abubakar Shekau, was a pointer that Jonathan’s government was on top of the security crisis in the region. He urged the region and the entire north to support government’s efforts in the development of the area.
  Meanwhile, a civil group, Citizens Arise Movement of Nigeria (CAMON), has called on the Federal Government to explain the $9.3 million impounded by South Africa.
   It also called for the prosecution of those involved in the deal for brining the image of the country into disrepute.
   Speaking at the launch of the Charter of CAMON on Tuesday in Abuja, former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, alleged black market arms racketeering, money laundering and official corruption, since the Federal Government has claimed ownership of the said money.
   He also called for an independent panel to probe the alleged culpability of the former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sherrif, and the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, in Boko Haram sponsorship.
   More so, Melaye urged the immediate reversal of the death sentence passed on the 12 soldiers accused of mutiny since the case of perceived insensitivity and neglect has been established against the former Brigade Commander.