Northern Elder Admits To Have Received N53m From Anenih

Another can of worms have been opened in the ongoing investigation into $2.1 billion arms deal scandal as an elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai has confirmed that he received N53 million from former chairman of board of trustee of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tony Anenih.

Yakasai admitted to have received N53 million from Anenih

Anenih had written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, explaining how N260 million was disbursed to him from the office of the national security adviser.

Yakasai explained that the N53 million was used for advocacy visit to northern traditional rulers to mobilise their subjects for 2015 general election, Vanguard reports.

He said: “Yes, I and eight others collected N53m from chief Tony Anenih to pay advocacy visit to prominent northern emirs to mobilise their subjects for a hitch free 2015 general elections.”

The elder statesman continued that the PDP stalwart had approached him to make available a list of ‘nine apolitical but respected individuals from the north’.

Yakasia stated further that N53 million disbursed to him by Anenih was used for the group’s members allowances, hotels accommodation and transportation on tour of 18 northern states.

He denied that he did that for the campaigns for former president Goodluck Jonathan.  Yakasai listed former minister of state, foreign affairs, Mammam Anka, Suleiman Lawal, Barrister Bitrus Gwada as beneficiaries of the fund.

Others are Dr Bahago, John Macklink from Plateau and Senator Sodangi.

He had earlier in an interview with Vanguard denied receiving financial patronage from Jonathan‘s administration.

“I want to make it categorically clear that no officials of the last regime either Mr. Jonathan, his lieutenant, agents, contractors or person having links or relationship with the last administration gave me cash on behalf of that regime for a reason,” Yakasai said.

He stated that he and his team visited Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Zazzau, Shehu Idris.

Others first class chief visited Emirs of llorin, Nassarawa, Minnie, Bauchi, Zuru, Kebbi, Dutse,  Hadejia and representatives of Emir of Daurawa.

Also,  other prominent rulers visited included, the Tor Tivm the Gwom Gbom of Jos, Ohimege Igu, Kotonkarfe, Etsu of Abji, Atta Igala and Etsu Nupe.

He disclosed further that his team came under attack from insurgents while on scheduled visit to the emir in Gombe.

Yakasai concluded by saying: “I want to make it abundantly clear that I didn’t received money from Chief Anenih in my private capacity as Tanko Yakasai but to a patriotic individual who are interested in the peaceful coexistence of the polity.”

Meanwhile, a new twist as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had arrested a German businessman in connection with the probe.

The businessman was arrested because millions of funds meant for the arms procurement were linked to him after thorough investigation was conducted by the anti-graft body.

Source: Naij.com