US CONDEMNS NIGERIA'S ANTI-CORRUPTION FIGHT

The US State Department released its 2013 Annual Report on Nigeria which condemns the Jonathan government for frustrating anti-corruption efforts in the country.  The report shows several setbacks for the Economic and Financial Crime Commission.

One Yakubu John, embezzled two billion naira from the Police Pension Fund and was given a N250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand naira) fine, a slap on the wrist compared to what was stolen.

Criminal charges were brought against former governor of Bayelsa State Timipre Sylva for laundering almost five billion Naira ($31.4 million) of funds belonging to Bayelsa State. EFCC seized 48 properties worth approximately one billion Naira ($6.3 million) allegedly belonging to Sylva in Abuja. Sylva was granted bail in January 2013. The EFCC discovered still more evidence of Sylva’s money laundering activities, and after he refused to cooperate with the investigation, the EFCC arrested him again in May to bring new charges, raising the amount of money he was suspected of laundering to 6.46 billion Naira ($40.6 million). 

President Jonathan pardoned former Bayelsa state governor Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, who was convicted in 2008 for embezzling more than $10 million in state funds. While Alamieyeseigha served two years in prison and forfeited the property he held in the country, he was still wanted in the United Kingdom on money laundering charges, and another foreign government seized his assets. By granting him a pardon, President Jonathan paved the way for Alamieyeseigha to run for another elected office or to hold other appointed offices.

Farouk Lawan was charged with soliciting a bribe from Femi Otedola, president and chief executive officer of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited but the case remains inconclusive. Same as Dimeji Bankole, former Speaker of the House of Representative who made fraudulent contracts worth 894 million Naira ($5.6 million).

The report concluded that despite the arrest of several high-ranking officials by the EFCC, allegations continue that agency investigations target individuals who  fall out of favor with the government, while those who were in favor continue their activities with impunity.