President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, revealed why the United States, US, agreed to repatriate over $310m looted during the era of late Head of State, Sani Abacha, back to Nigeria during his administration.
Buhari disclosed that the US believes his government won’t “re-steal” the funds, hence the decision to repatriate the money.
The president’s explanation was contained in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu.
Buhari assured that the days of using government as an ATM were over.
The president disclosed that the US perceived the previous Nigerian government to be corrupt, hence the refusal to repatriate the fund.
He declared that his administration was committed to enacting zero-tolerance to corruption.
The statement reads: “Without these funds, the fight against Covid-19 would be even tougher.
“The latest return is a testament to the growing and deepening relationship between the government of Nigeria and the government of the United States.”
Buhari explained that without the cooperation of the US government, congress, and the United Kingdom, Nigeria won’t have gotten the funds.
“For years many countries deemed successive Nigerian administrations as too corrupt, too venal and too likely to squander and re-steal the stolen monies – so they did not return the funds.
“Today, US, UK and other jurisdictions have found the partnership with the nation of Nigeria they can finally trust.
“The Buhari Administration is committed to – and is enacting – total and zero tolerance to corruption in politics and public administration.
“The days when the government was seen and used by the political class as their personal ATM to empty are over.
“The time of better governance and clean hands in the affairs of state are here to stay.”
Recall that the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, had yesterday confirmed receipt of over $300m looted from the US.
Malami had disclosed that the fund was repatriated from the United States and the Bailiwick of Jersey after a recent agreement.
