The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has
debunked media reports that a certain $27 million realised from the sale of
three Federal Government properties in Washington has been embezzled.
It also clarified that the money from the sale of the properties between 2004 and 2007 was $23,586,497.84 and not $27 million as reported.
It also clarified that the money from the sale of the properties between 2004 and 2007 was $23,586,497.84 and not $27 million as reported.
The reports were from a public hearing conducted by the
Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Nigeria's former Ambassador to
the US, Prof. George Obiozor, the current Ambassador, Prof. Ade Adefuye and
Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Prof Joy Ogwu
appeared at the meeting.
The Ministry, in a statement it issued Friday said
the money made from the sale, which was authorised by former President Olusegun
Obasanjo were duly accounted for. It added that the press was not privy to the
submissions of Obiozor, Adefuye and Ogwu, and should not prejudice the findings
of the committee.
"We therefore urge that patience be exercised as we
await the final report of the Senate Committee's investigation into this
issue," the statement read.
Reports in national dailies alleged
that officials of the Nigerian embassy in the USA sold the said properties from
where the proceeds f the said sum were realised but could no longer be accounted
for.
Former Ambassadors and Nigeria’s permanent representative at the UN were said to have been summoned to say all they knew about the transaction as well as the whereabouts of the proceeds of the sales.
Former Ambassadors and Nigeria’s permanent representative at the UN were said to have been summoned to say all they knew about the transaction as well as the whereabouts of the proceeds of the sales.
A non-governmental organisation, Transform Nigeria
Movement had petitioned the Senate to conduct inquiries into the sales,
alleging that the money had developed wing.
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