Chairman of the House of
Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the fraudulent Malabu oil deal,
Razak Atunwa, on Wednesday explained that only the immediate past President,
Goodluck Jonathan can resolve the crisis surrounding the controversial Malabu
oil deal, also known as OPL 245.
Recall that the committee had
earlier extended an invitation to the former President with regards to the
oil deal.
Speaking during a press briefing
by the committee, Atunwa said Jonathan’s appearance is key to unraveling the
alleged corruption, malpractices and breach of due process in the award of OPL
245.
According to Atunwa, the
Committee having conducted extensive investigation into the OPL 245 deal found
it proper to get the testimony of Jonathan in concluding its work.
He said, “The Committee is of the
view that in the interest of thoroughness, natural justice and fair play, it
imperative that evidence should be taken from former President Goodluck
Jonathan.
“In arriving at this decision,
the Committee took account of the following facts: Mr. Jonathan was the
President at the material time the Ministers brokered the deal that lead to the
allegation of $1 billion diversion of funds;
“Mr Jonathan’s name features in
the proceedings initiated by the Public Prosecutor of Milan in Italy.
“A United Kingdom Court Judgment
in relation to an application to return part of the money being restrained,
castigated the Jonathan Administration as not having acted in the best interest
of Nigeria in relation to the ‘deal.
“The Attorney-General of the
Federation at the material time, Mohammed Bello Adoke, has recently instituted
proceedings in court wherein he pleads that all his actions were as as
instructed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.”
