Former President Goodluck Jonathan may soon appear before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on OPL 245 to testify in the ongoing investigation on alleged massive corruption in Malabu Oil.
The committee, which announced its intention to formally invite Jonathan on this controversial matter, said that it had conducted an extensive investigation into the OPL 245 saga and about to close it.
The Committee said that in the interest of thoroughness, natural justice and fair play, it is imperative that evidence should be taken from the former President.
A statement by the committee today, Wednesday, said that it took account of the following facts:
(i) That Dr. Jonathan was the President at the material time the Ministers brokered the deal that leads to the allegation of $1bn diversion of funds;
(ii) That Dr. Jonathan’s name features in the proceedings initiated by the Public Prosecutor of Milan in Italy;
(iii) That a U.K. 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’;
(iv) That 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 instructed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“Accordingly, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution, the Committee has decided to request that former President Goodluck Jonathan gives evidence as to his role in the matter.”
The statement sent by the House, said the Secretariat will write to him asking for his response and submissions. [myad]
