Photo: •Ministerial nominee, Ex-Gov Abubakar Baguda
A US-based international human rights lawyer, Emmanuel Ogebe, has written a petition to register his opposition to the appointment of former Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to the ministerial office he is being considered for.
In a statement he shared with Sundiata on Saturday, Ogebe alleged that Bagudu participated in late Head of State, General Sani Abacha’s multi-billion dollar looting, €200 million of which is still subject to ongoing litigation in the US District Court of DC. He said this disqualifies the former governor from holding such a position of public trust.
Ogebe in the petition reminded the Senate of its duty to protect Nigeria’s democracy and value integrity, transparency, and accountability in public offices and to ensure that individuals who hold public office are of the highest moral character and possess the necessary qualifications to effectively serve the interests of the people they represent.
While noting that Mr Bagudu falls short of meeting these essential criteria, he reeled out the key reasons upon which the petition is premised to include, Financial Malfeasance, Ongoing Litigation, Visa Restrictions, and false Claim of funds belonging to Nigerian citizens.
The rights activist added: “Mr Bagudu has a well-documented history of financial malfeasance around the globe unlike any Nigerian alive.
“In an anti-corruption matter I have worked on in the US for 10 years now, I found that lawyers for the Bagudu family and the United States Department of Justice, approached the US District Court seeking another extension of time to finalise a settlement on about €200 million of seized Abacha loot as opposed to facilitating its return, for the common benefit of Nigerians.
“This raises serious concerns about his ability to handle public funds responsibly and ethically. Individuals entrusted with public resources should have an impeccable financial track record, free from any allegations or evidence of financial impropriety.
“Ongoing Litigation: Mr Bagudu is currently embroiled in aforesaid US money laundering legal forfeiture proceedings via proxy, relating to the Abacha loot, which further undermines his credibility and suitability for political office. The unresolved legal matter in the US district court, casts doubt on his ability to focus on the responsibilities of the position and fulfill his duties effectively.
“It is crucial that our elected officials are free from any legal entanglements that could compromise their ability to serve the public’s best interests. Indeed Mr Bagudu’s interest in the said litigation caused Nigeria under Buhari to compromise its ownership rights to the Abacha loot.
“Visa Restrictions: Due to his infamous and notorious activities, Mr Bagudu reportedly faces visa restrictions which will actually limit his ability to function effectively as a Federal Minister.
“False Claim of funds belonging to Nigerian citizens: The Bagudu family has spent millions of dollars fighting the US government’s efforts to return the money back to Nigeria. At this time, the Bagudus have reached a settlement agreement to share Nigeria’s stolen €200 million between themselves and the US government without the Nigerian Federal, state and local government who are joint owners of said funds under the constitution.
“A man who is currently blocking the return of Nigeria’s money which he pilfered, has no business being appointed into Nigeria’s federal government.
“It is upon the strength of these concerns, that I urge you to halt the screening of Mr Bagudu, for any federal office.”
According to him, the appointment of an individual with such an inglorious background would not only undermine public trust but also tarnish the reputation of the office he holds and make Nigeria a laughing stock in the international community.
He urged the Senate to give due consideration to the concerns and take appropriate action in the best interest of Nigeria.
