As the Nigerian government continues to negotiate the repatriation of stolen Abacha funds, it has been revealed that the country is expected to pay the Swiss government a certain commission to facilitate the smooth process.
The Federal Government may have agreed to pay the Government of Switzerland $79m (N25.2bn) as part of conditions for the repatriation of almost $400m (N128bn) recovered from the family of the late military ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha.
The Chairman of the Civil Society Network Against Corruption, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraj, said this during a seminar to commemorate the 2016 International Anti-Corruption Day in Abuja on Friday.
The event was jointly organised by Nigerian anti-corruption agencies, the European Union, the United States and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and had in attendance senior diplomats and politicians.
It will be recalled that the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Eric Mayoraz, had said in July that his country would return $321m out of the Abacha loot to Nigeria. However, Suraj, who was a member of a panel of discussants, said the original figure that was meant to be returned to Nigeria was about $400m.
He said the Nigerian Government had secretly agreed to forfeit $79m as part of negotiations.
Suraj said this was disgraceful as the Swiss Government was meant to pay Nigeria an interest instead of dictating the terms of agreement.
He said, “Unfortunately, the government goes to beg countries to get our money back rather than making demands, we appeal for the money and beg them to return it. We are fed with half information such that we even assume that we actually recover the amount stolen.
“I had a very funny experience and it is still ongoing. The $321m that the Swiss Government is meant to return to Nigeria, we discovered three weeks ago that the original money was about $400m. The legal process in Switzerland actually charged the Nigerian Government about $79m and that is why we are receiving $321m.
“The $321m is now to be returned to Nigeria with the condition that the World Bank will monitor how the funds will be spent. I cannot imagine anything more insulting.” However, it will be recalled that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Geoffrey Onyeama, had said in June that the government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo had paid the Swiss Government over $100m as commission for the return of Abacha’s loot.
He had said, “If you remember the Abacha loot in Switzerland at the time, Obasanjo’s government had to finally agree to give them 10 per cent of the amount. This was about $100m and so they returned $900m to Nigeria.
“If they (Swiss Government) had not agreed and said they wanted to keep the whole money, it would have been very difficult for us and that is why the anti-corruption summit and the initiative of President Muhammadu Buhari is really focused on these western countries to remove some of those barriers and lengthy procedures that are in place and make it possible for these people to delay (the payment).”
I have been reporting on latest news from Nigeria for almost 10 years now. I report on every possible news area I come across, but always ensure my reports are compiled with dignity and fact to uphold my personal values and duty as a journalist
Posted: at 10-12-2016 10:56 AM (7 years ago) | Addicted Hero
waytoheaven at 10-12-2016 12:07 PM (7 years ago) (m)
for many yrs several billions of usd and pound repatriated from the devil Abacha,with several still yet to be discovered,the ones that got into this country as had no difference,instead garri of N300 is now N700, why re they crying to pay swiz d commission demanded,whose country will release such money off his own economy and won't see the effect if not properly managed.. I don't give a damn if they demanded 50% of d money afterall when the monies get in to Nigeria,it goes straight into d old ass hole politician,that wld directly or indirectly share d money,its only in this country politician wld award a pencil contract and 1 pen would cost 100mil naira and they needed to buy 5000pcs,so what re we sayn
Posted: at 10-12-2016 12:07 PM (7 years ago) | Upcoming
for many yrs several billions of usd and pound repatriated from the devil Abacha,with several still yet to be discovered,the ones that got into this country as had no difference,instead garri of N300 is now N700, why re they crying to pay swiz d commission demanded,whose country will release such money off his own economy and won't see the effect if not properly managed.. I don't give a damn if they demanded 50% of d money afterall when the monies get in to Nigeria,it goes straight into d old ass hole politician,that wld directly or indirectly share d money,its only in this country politician wld award a pencil contract and 1 pen would cost 100mil naira and they needed to buy 5000pcs,so what re we sayn Sweet talk
Posted: at 10-12-2016 04:13 PM (7 years ago) | Hero
for many yrs several billions of usd and pound repatriated from the devil Abacha,with several still yet to be discovered,the ones that got into this country as had no difference,instead garri of N300 is now N700, why re they crying to pay swiz d commission demanded,whose country will release such money off his own economy and won't see the effect if not properly managed.. I don't give a damn if they demanded 50% of d money afterall when the monies get in to Nigeria,it goes straight into d old ass hole politician,that wld directly or indirectly share d money,its only in this country politician wld award a pencil contract and 1 pen would cost 100mil naira and they needed to buy 5000pcs,so what re we sayn Sweet talk
Posted: at 10-12-2016 06:40 PM (7 years ago) | Hero
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