PTDF probe: Between sanction and advice
By Danlami A Wushishi
(danwushishi@yahoo.com)
When Jesus Christ according to the Bible asked some people to cast the first stone on the adulteress, none did. This I believe should be a poser to the Senate adhoc committee on the probe of the Petroleum Trust Development Fund headed by Senator (Barr) Ndoma Egba.
The committee was asked to unravel the scam in PTDF, a parastatal under the ministry of petroleum where Chief Olusegun Obasanjo acted as the minister. The committee sat within the National Assembly complex, where some notable personalities appeared including Vice President Atiku Abubakar. They all appeared to present their sides of story to enable the committee reach a just conclusion.
It is a rule of practice in our courts to weigh the evidence adduced by both parties. The quasi courts also adopt this practice, so that the principle of fairness can be upheld. A party that fails to put up a defense cannot complain later of bias. Similarly, the Arbiter is not expected to shut its eyes against any piece of evidence no matter how minute.
Apart from Atiku Abubakar it’s on record that Adamu Maina Waziri, the immediate past Executive Secretary of PTDF appeared before the Adhoc committee.
He said he chose to liaise directly with Mr. President because he (the president) was the minister of petroleum. I ponder over this statement whether the Act establishing PTDF provides for such transaction. Well, Adamu Maina Waziri now has the PDP ticket to run for Yobe state gubernatorial election in April 2007.
Similarly, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the EFCC boss also appeared before the committee. And in his usual emotional tone he said the VP has interest in the placement of PTDF funds in ETB and TIB banks. He also talked about NDTV and Mofas floating company. But, one Dr. David Babatunde Ayodeji who earlier observed certain lapses in EFCC investigation was not given right of audience.
After hearing all the parties that appeared, we still expect that an invitation be sent to other characters whose names were mentioned in the scam to appear even through a legal representation. Hence, Turaki is said to appear on his volition, the president ought to appear as we saw in Clinton-Lewinsky Saga. This would have convince the whole world that the probe is real business and not a case of presumed guilty until Turaki proves to the contrary.
The Obj-Turaki feud is no longer news, even though the VP had in several fora denied the rift. I understand, he did that because of the respect he attaches to the first citizen of Nigeria. Even when his erstwhile ADC was withdrawn on the allegation of funding Turaki Vanguard, I saw Turaki on TV walking alone to attend the Wednesday FEC meeting.
But the third term debate exacerbated the feud, which even some market women begun to pray for a peaceful transition. In view of this, Sen. Ndoma Egba’s committee ought to have put the interest of the nation at heart and ensure that an acceptable report was submitted.
When some national dailies quoted Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba I quickly remember the principle of equity that says “Justice should not only be done, but must be seen to be done.” At least, let the common man on the street says, “This is fair.” But where a general disappointment greeted the whole report, it then leaves much to be desired.
The upper chamber has indeed taken a bold step by inaugurating Senator Umar Tsauri led committee to review the contentious report so that vital issues contained in Senator Titus Olupitans` report can be carefully analyzed. For instance the documents presented by Turaki that in the words of Senator Olupitan were discarded should be thoroughly revisited.
Similarly, the issue of marine float and ancillary matters which Turaki was disallowed from making clarifications should equally be looked into most importantly, in relation to the money spent on the aborted tenure elongation.
I respect our distinguish Senators and still cherish the manner they handled the tenure elongation debate.
At least, they ought to be on the side of constitutionality and fair judgment as they move closer to May 29 handing over date. The pro-democrats in the upper chambers can walk shoulder-high.
We all hail you for unanimously agreeing to review the report so that the widely held belief that pro-third term Senators ensured that Turaki is sanctioned while Baba Iyabo should be advised can be corrected. Because, Senator Ndoma Egba said the different punishments were recommended because while Turaki aided and abated diversion of public funds, Baba Iyabo only went outside the PTDF Act. Hmmn, the learned SAN is convinced that the duo has gone ultra vires, but still recommend different punishment.
At any rate, the PTDF is clear on how its funds should be utilized. Moreso, there is an approved percentage to be allocated from national treasury to the PTDF but FEC chose to ‘pump’ so much to the parastatal. Why should Mr. President unilaterally increased the approval limit of the executive secretary from N700, 000 to N10 million.
Interestingly, these facts were given to the committee but the vice president got sanctioned while the president was politely advised. Well, the matter is now for review. We hope to see the nexus between sanctions and advice.
Danlami Alh. Wushishi is based in Minna, Niger state.