Former congressman William Jefferson has been sentenced to 13 years in jail for corruption that involved US companies and Nigerian officials.The ruling yesterday, by Federal Judge TS Ellis III of the US District Court in Alexandria, Virginia, followed Jefferson's conviction for collecting bribes on behalf of Nigerian officials, speciafically, former Vice President , Abubakar Atiku. However, the FBI found $90,000 cash, which Jefferson said was meant for Atiku, hidden in a freezer.
But Atiku and his wife, Jennifer Douglas, did not accept summons and subpoenas to appear before the US court. Instead, they moved their family out to Dubai, and put their Potomac mansion up for sale.
US Justice department officials told Saharareporters that arrest warrants have been issued against Atiku and his runaway wife, Jamila Jennifer Douglas-Atiku and that the duo would be promptly arrested if they step on US soil.
Saharareporters sources said Atiku and his business partner, Otunba Fasawe, did not return the sum of $21 million taken from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to the Nigerian coffers.
EFCC's 21-paragraph counter-affidavit filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja on PTDF Scam
•That the plaintiff diverted funds meant for PTDF operations to finance NDTV.
•That even though the projects for which funds were required in the PTDF were not approved until 2006, the plaintiff had ordered that the money be withdrawn from treasury since 2003.
•That on 18/10/03, the plaintiff directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to release USD$20 million to PTDF without the approval of the Executive Council to enable the PTDF carry out some projects but the money was placed on term deposit in TIB.
•That the placement of the money in TIB was done to promote the business of NDTV, the plaintiff’s other interests and that of some of his friends and associates.
•That as soon as the placement was made, NDTV was granted a loan of N400 million on 20/10/03 and N420 million on 22/10/03 by T.I.B.
•That Otunba Fasawe remitted the sum of N400 million to the plaintiff’s Personal Assistant, Alhaji Umaru Pariya, on 4/10/2003 which sum Otunba Fasawe recovered through a loan of N420 million received from TIB on 22/10/03 after the PTDF’s funds placement.
•That the plaintiff paid from his Marine Float Account in Bank PHB the sum of N30 million for the purchase of the property at No. 555 Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Wuse II.
•That the plaintiff’s property at No. 555, Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Wuse II, is used as the headquarters of NDTV.
•That the balance of the purchase money for the property referred to above was paid after the plaintiff ordered a placement of USD$10 million in TIB and a loan of N400 million was granted by TIB to NDTV.
•That several other people were paid various sums of money deposited in TIB pursuant to directive by the plaintiff. Evidence of the beneficiaries and the amount will be given at the trial.
•That from a total sum of $30 million placed by PTDF in TIB, only the sum of $6.25 million has been repaid, leaving an outstanding balance of $23.75 million to date.
•That the plaintiff also ordered placement of $50 million in ETB.
•That the plaintiff further directed that the sum of $52.9 million and $62.1 million be placed in ETB from the account of PTDF.
•That the plaintiff stood as surety for Otunba Fasawe when NTDV applied for Value Added Network Service from Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC).
•That all these facts stated in paragraph 13 supra were never disclosed by the plaintiff in his response.
•That the plaintiff attached Exhibits 5A and 5B to give the impression that the money invested was with the consent of the President (See Paragraph (XV) of the affidavit in support of originating Summons.
•That however, the President never approved the release of the funds for the purpose of placing it in any bank.
•That on the contrary, the money was approved for the purpose of implementing projects relating to the programme of PTDF.
•That Exhibit 5A attached to plaintiff’s affidavit shows that on 29th April 2003, the plaintiff approved the placement of a total sum of $125 million in two banks (ETB and TIB).
•That on 14th October, 2003, the plaintiff directed the release of an additional sum of $20 million from the treasury.
•That Exhibits 5B mentioned that the $20 million was to be used to carry out some projects according to the letter seeking approval by the PTDF.
•That, however, rather than use the $20 million to carry out any project, the funds were placed with TIB and used for NDTV where the plaintiff had substantial interest.
• That contrary to paragraphs 18(xii) and (xiii) of the affidavit in support of the Originating Summons, the 7th Defendant in its report indicted the Plaintiff at Pages 32-33 as follows:
•That the placement of the PTDF’s fund was not done arbitrarily but deliberately designed to promote some business ventures in which the plaintiff and some of his friends has interest.
•That the placement in TIB, for instance, was designed to promote Netlink Digital Televant (NDTV), a satellite television project and Mofas Shipping Company where the Chairman of both companies is Otunba Fasawe, a long standing friend of the plaintiff.
•It has also been revealed that Otunba Fasawe remitted the sum of N400 million to the plaintiff’s Personal Assistant, Alhaji Umaru Pariya, on the 4/10/03 which he conveniently recovered through a loan of N420 million he received from TIB on the 22/10/03 after the PTDF’s funds placement.”
•That a clear demonstration of the plaintiff’s business interest in NDTV is the fact that on 07/10/03 the plaintiff paid the initial sum of N30 million deposit from his Marine Float Account in the Bank PHB for the purchase of the property situated at No. 555 Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Wuse II, Abuja and used as its headquarters.”
•That to further buttress the long standing business relationship between the plaintiff and Otunba Fasawe, the latter paid the plaintiff the sum of N61 million on 29/01/01 from his Mofas account with TIB.
•That a further sum of N25 million from Mofas Shipping Company’s account of Otunba Fasawe in TIB was transferred to plaintiff’s Marine Float Account in Bank PHB on 18/02/03.
•That acting on the facts stated above the plaintiff was indicted by the 7th defendant for embezzlement and fraud.
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A.E Johnson
said:
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... Nigerians are aware that the former President Olusegun Obasanjo did all within his power to link Atiku with corruption charges including the use of this Jerfferson of a man and nothing was found against him. In my view Atiku Abubakar is the only Nigerian senior office holder that has been investigated so far without any link to corrupt enrichment in office. He is clean. |
A.E Johnson
said:
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... Nigerians are aware that the former President Olusegun Obasanjo did all within his power to link Atiku with corruption charges including the use of this Jerfferson of a man and nothing was found against him. In my view Atiku Abubakar is the only Nigerian senior office holder that has been investigated so far without any link to corrupt enrichment in office. He is clean. |
moleteking
said:
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... @ Man Chris. Since you have access to Atiku and Shehu Garba. Go ask them what happened when SR Publisher showed up at Atiku's house in MD to interview him about this issue and other matters. |
Commodore (Chief) Thief Olabode George JP(retd)
said:
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... no matter how fast a lie can run,one day,the truth would catch up...for you all abusing yourselves you arent any different from politicians because it shows that you are morally corrupt.as for atiku and co,i wouldnt take sides or condemn now but i know that under the sun,nothing stays hidden. |
Ese Otaks
said:
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... With all the posturing of Atiku it is clear that he is steeply deep in corruption and looting of the treasury. Can any of his numerous supporters provide a detailed disbursment of the PTDF allocations. How did Atiku, a civil servant suddenly became an outstanding wonderboy investor trillionaire with his finger everywhere? How come he avoided the summons in the US courts if indeed he is innocent? Most elightened Nigerians know that Atiku is worse than Ibori in the game of looting state funds. He should return the PTDF money and should permanently forget his do or die ambition to preside over the nations's treasury. The day of reckoning is near! |
Uju
said:
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... The sponsored crowd have descended on this thread. Why is Atiku and his wife not visiting the US, but travelling all over the world? All the Atiku howlers are yet to address the point made by SR re-$21 million PTDF funds, the reasons why the main man sold his house(s) in the US and ran away to Dubai. And what's wrong with a platform for disgruntled citizens, don't they deserve a place to vent too? |
Risi Raji
said:
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... It is strange that anybody who defends anyone accused in SA is assummed to have been rented to do so bit those who falsely buy the falsehood in SA reports are patriots!The hypocrites in the platform should bury their heads in shame.A court frees Atiku of allegations in the Jefferson case and there is this outcry from the professional crucifiers in SA.Is SA better placed,better imformed and more competent to pass judgement of the Jefferson case than the jury.Please spare us this abuse of space in the SA. |
Oniakhena James
said:
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... If Atiku has a warrant of arrest on him,he will not be travelling around the world as he is doing.And if he had not been summouned as an accussed in the Jefferson case,there will not be any reason to issue a warrant of arest on him.All report of Jefferson trials states that it was Jefferson who wanted Atiku as a witness to confirm that he(Jefferson) never offered him(Atiku)money.So,how can a summon be issued on Atiku if he decided not to accept the invitation to help Jefferson out of the problem he put himself?Sahara Reporters should check its claims before publishing falsehood.This is nit the hallmark of a credible media. |
Segun Adeoti
said:
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... If a court tries a case and in its wisdom says Atiku is not involved in the Jefferson scam,is it nor fair to give him the benefit oif doubt.The was SR pursues this view that every allegation of coruption is true even if not proven destroys its credibility.And it is not helpful that it has become the platform for disgruntled elements to vent their anger relentlessly.Please,let SR show some decency. |
Man Chris
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... @Uju, you are a lady, I would like to have yr mail/or twiter to continue this debate in a private manner. FYI, I did not attack SR' any time. I love Sowore as a younger brother from UNILAG, & besides, tell yr friends Abu/Konko that Man Chris is too big to be anybody's boy. He dosen't lie too.Atiku is not a friend or political associate but Wn I noticed him, I went over and greeted him.Courtesy demands that I should, being a normal Nigerian. Why the flight detaails Konko? Of what importance is that to you? Once again,tell my brother Sowore that Atiku is not wanted in US, unless on other issues than the Jafferson's case which, may be SR is aware.....,and yet to break it raw! |
Konko Billow
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... MAN CHRIS, I challenge you to produce the date, the airline and flight number you purport to travel with Atiku and I promise to supply forumites the manifest of that flight. Take your filthy lies elsewhere, meanwhile I am waiting for the flight info! |
abuabakar J
said:
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... Man Chris, you are one of Atku boys,so keep on supporting him but the truth will be out one day. No matter how long you and others keep trying the truth will come to an end. If SR is lying let Atiku ue them. Atiku have been corrupt for a long time, he is among the top corrupt people in Nigeria. All the anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria knows what am taliking about. |
Man Chris
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... Pls read the link below to know that Atiku is innocent on WJ case, or even our debate on SR about 06/08/09 on this same issue: http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=159806 |
Uju
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... @Man Chris, my first inkling of you was your attack on SR when they did the story of the medical doctor falsely accused of importing weapons. You went and dug out a report from PM news that was obviously false, everyone pointed out your folly to you. Now, you are back again with the your "1st Class" flight meeting with Atiku from New York, I can swear that you are lying through your ndi Anambra teeth. If Atiku is wanted, he won't tell you and the US justice department won't tell you either. I remember having an argument with a friend when SR reported that the Nigerian ambassador to the US Prof Adeniran would be rejected for reasons of polygamy. The Nigerian newspapers were awash with reports of a send-forth party for him. He even granted a few interviews syndicated in numerous newspapers talking about his plans in the US, few weeks later the truth became known to all. So, be careful how you spin your stories. |
Man Chris
said:
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... @AntiParasite, your rant dosen't require response, but let me say that if you 've been featuring on SR and other opinion forums, especially Nigerias' you would know where I stand on most issues. Falsehood & deliberate distortion of facts in issues is bad. If Atiku's House is up for sale in US,its his right to sale his property when he wants.But I can assure you that Atiku is not wanted in US. Publisher of SR was my junior in UNILAG.I like his caurage. But this kind of blatant day light lies about Atiku on Jafferson's case is a crime! I live in Dubai, and its not yet a month since I flew back to Dubai from NY. Atiku was in business class in that flight & I greeted him. It was the first time I met him personally.FYI, I am from Anambra and Nigerian. My msg here is that Sowore should be balanced and truthful in his reporting.Its for his own good! |
jikwum
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... Atiku in the news again? Let us call a spade a spade, Atiku can not explain how he amassed all his wealth. How can a Civil Servant (like my dad was) amass so much wealth I ask? Why is it when an allegation is made in SR, Ribadu is named as the one behind the revelation? All these allegations have been in the news before and our AGF and Yar'Adua have covered this up as they have done many others. Nigerian politics has no room for the honest, rather it is made up of a cauldron of the corrupt, that is why our development is stunted. One day Atiku's story will be told or nemesis will catch up with him. |
Joe Dodo
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... If Atiku was not summoned in court, how come warrant of arrest was issued on him. Atiku has hired people to post comments in his favour but he should know that we have passed that stage in this platform. Is it true that he relocated to the corrupt people haven in Dubai, and has put u his house in the US for sale? When last did he visit the US if he is free. This is the thief who is touting for a space to contest for presidency. God knows that his intent is not for service but to continue to loot, so he has been shut out by even his friends. Nemesis indeed. But until he restores all he has stolen, he will not have peace. The judgement of God is upon Atiku and there is no hiding place for him and his likes. |
Nnamdi
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... The likes of Atiku and co should repulse any decent person.What they dont know and wont know is that rogues likie them will never ever have a good live here on earth or in the life after.they will die a shamefull death here on earth and live permanent in hell fire. |
Sunday Njokede
said:
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... Atiku is a ratbag, Buhari should steer far clear off Atiku as he plans to move into Aso Rock come 2011. General Buhari is too decent to pally howsoever with characters like Atiku and president Yaradua whose name is in Ribadu´s corruption dossier. For this reason, Yaradua has no stomach nor decency to cashier Atiku, OBJ and co. for their criminal ills upon Nigeria. www.rig2011electionyoudie@rocketmail.com |
Nwa Naija
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... A lady doing business with Jefferson accused him of cheating her of millions; she helped bring him down. Jefferson is clearly a thief - that was proven over and over in court. The Feds and the woman set Jefferson up - they filmed him receiving money and if I recall, marked the bills. Jefferson even took 10% of the money meant for Atiku - he's a thief now. But most of the money was still intact, so it was hard to disprove his likely cock and bull story. Was Atiku honorable? Or was he smart enough to know that the amount wasn't worth the risk? Or was he ready and willing but it never came to pass? Unless we know why it fell apart, Atiku must be given the benefit of the doubt. That said, his situation here can be likened to being in a lift where somebody passes gas. No be him make mess but...he's in the vicinity. |
Kehinde Oladapo
said:
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... What marks us out as Nigerians? check this out. In civilised countries when an oil spillage is detected they quickly put out a distress call for urgent repairs; while in Nigeria the people quickly rush out with buckets and drums to scoop it up, never mind the attendant risk of death that MIGHT occur as it usually does, I see a strong link with the fact that we handle our day to day lives in a reckless and selfish manner and we never learn our lessons fast, bottom line our leaders are no different afterall they are also bonafide Nigerians. |
Elmango Meat
said:
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... This man Atiku seem to surface anytime their is a quick money to kill! HE was NOT AWARE he OWED a Nigerian BANK some COOL MILLIONS! And he was our Vice President for 8 years, and still seeking relevance in Nigeria. Dumb question. Are we still in 18th Century under the British slavemasters or did they just seemlessly transition us through Colonialism to under our present Grandly Corrupt Political masterclass rulership? We Nigerians have such stupendous capacity and patience to take so much crap from our present Masters! What a pity. @ Man Chris Which Nigerian courts. @Ejikeme. They have scrammed. They left town and they are in Dubai! THEIR HOUSE in USA ON SALE. What other evidence do you want? |
Independent observer
said:
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... JEFFERSON IN JAIL, ATIKU PLANNING TO CONTEXT ELECTION IN NIGERIA. WHAT AN IRONY! |
Kehinde Oladapo
said:
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... Atiku and his ilk are a shame and a disgrace to Nigeria. He lives in palm Jumeirah in Dubai a very exotic location for the mega rich and his wife works at the American university in Sharjah; they now seem to have adopted Dubai as their second home; But Justice will one day catch up with them. the sufferings and sweat of the ordinary poor Nigerians will merge up to curse and afflict them till the end of their lives. |
AntiParasite
said:
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... @Emmanuel Ojei, If your brother, Atiku is clean, why did he sell his house in Maryland and take your money to the Arab countries, Dubai, Singapore, etc. How many white people and Arabs have stolen money from their government and build houses in Nigeria? I think you are moving Nigeria forward by siding with your brothers, Shagari, Abubaker, Babangida, Atiku, Dikko, Marwa, etc. |
AntiParasite
said:
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... OGBENI NAIJA, You forget that Atiku is a northerner and Waziri too is a norhterner. How many northerners have gone to prison because of corruption? Hausa does not prosecute Fulani.It is Southerners that can prosecute their people even if Fulani and HAusa sell Nigeria to Arabs |
AntiParasite
said:
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... To MAN CHRIS, Whenever Southerners hold any important posts in Nigeria, they are thieves, but when northerners loot our treasury and empty our central bank into Arab banks they are saints.It is people like you and the rest of Fulani and Hausa that bring Nigeria backward. If it were the US, your brothers, Shagari, Atiku, Abacha and his faily, Babangida, Dikko, Marwa and the rest you would not spend less than 2000 years each in prison. I do not know how much they have given to you. But I assure you that you will never enjoy it as long as you continue to set Nigeria to stone age era. |
John-Paul Brimes (California, USA)
said:
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... Ejikeme is a lost soul. I guess it is one Atiku's children masking under this name. If you are vexed with Sahara Reporters, go to the courts. When has SR ever told any lies?Wanted is wanted. And in the arena of "wanted" in the US, Atiku is just peanuts. He will do time if he ever steps on US soil just like Charles Taylor and now Jefferson. |
Orye
said:
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... SR, I must join the other commentators on pouring cold water on the hysteria you are attempting to whip up here! Atiku is NOT wanted by the U.S. authorities. Granted the shamed Rep man Jefferson wanted desperately to summon Atiku and his wife to give evidence in his favour during the case but the Atikus declined to do so and rightly so. This in itself is not sufficient enough for Sahara to claim that the Atikus are both wanted persons in the U.S. This is shoddy reporting at best and perhaps cynical and deliberate misrepresentation at best. |
Ab
said:
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... SR will do well to present proofs of arrest warrant on Atiku and his wife. But I smell rat, why would he move his family to Dubai and put his Potomac mansion up for sale? This judgement goes to show for those who say corruption is synonymous to not only Nigeria, I quite agree. But the difference between that of Nigeria and developed countries like the US is that laws are enforced and "if you are caught", the full arm of the law will definitely catch up with you. Jefferson in jail and Atiku still walks freely, even having the gut to criticise a seating government. With all the clouts that the Jefferson's command in the US, it goes to show that there is no sacred cow in those countries. Nigeria - We will get there ! |
texbee
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... If its true that Atiku has no skeleton in his cupboard he could as well go to America to clear his name. I didnt mean he is quilty either |
MG
said:
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... I am very happy the old scum is going to prison. That is why I like America, you break their laws, and you pay. I just cannot wait to see the days when all corrupt madmen in Nigeria will pay their dues just like this congressman did in America. |
ogbeni naija
said:
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... IF ATIKU AS A SERVING VP COULD STEAL SUCH A HUGE SUMS OF MONEY AND DECLEARED WANTED BY US THEN HE SHOULD BE IN THE PRISON WITH BODE & CO,AND WHY DID THE EFCC CHAIR THIEF WAZIRI GO TO US TO CONVINCE THEM THAT NIGERIA IS FIGHTING CORRUPTION WHILE ATIKU IS NOT IN PRISON.I WONDER HOW NIGERIANS ALL OVER THE WORLD WILL BE FEELING ABOUT ALL THIS THIEVES RULING THEIR COUNTRY. |
ogbeni naija
said:
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... .THIS HAPPEN IN NIGERIA TO THE LIKE OF IYABO OBASANJO,ELUMELU,PATRICIA ETTEH & OTHER THIEVES IN THE NASS, THIS THIEF & CRIMINAL CALLED ATIKU IS STILL PLANNING TO RULE NIGERIA,THIS IS ONE REASON WHY ATIKU ABUBAKAR SHOULD NOT BE RECIEVED AS AC MEMBER, HE IS AN INFECTION THAT IS CAPABLE OF COUSING CONTAGEOUS DESEASE THAT CAN CONTAMINATE OTHERS. |
Nwa Naija
said:
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... Small correction - the $90,00 was the remainder of $100,000 earmarked as Atiku bribe money, which luckily for him, he never received. Jefferson got off on this count (5 out of 11 charges in total.) Again, Olebode should be grateful for 2.5 years. If I remember correctly, Jefferson had wanted help from Atiku's wife in court, which she apparently had no desire to give. The guy is already appealing, so he might call on Atiku's household yet again. |
Johnson, New York
said:
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... Only the likes of J. J. Rawlings could clean Nigeria and make Nigeria a better place. God please give us a J. J. Rawlings ASAP! |
Ejikeme
said:
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... SR journalists are pure liars. All these your stupids reports are just aimed at discrediting Nigerians, period. There was no time Atiku was summoned to appear in a US court. You are all liars! No one is supporting the thieves in Nigeria, Atiku including, but let us not decieve Nigerians here. Who said Atiku will be arrested if he steps on US soil-SR. Check your facts again and stop fighting the Ribadu against NIgeria war here. |
Nwa Naija
said:
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... Somebody make this news available to Olebode... he's lucky to serve only 2.5 years. |
Emmanuel Ojei
said:
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... You discredit journalism with the way you handle issues.If an American court that had access to all the issues say Atiku is not guilty on this charge,how acan you who rely on hear say inssist that the man is guilty.Cant we be fair to ourseves as Nigerans?Your report is biased and unfortunate. |
Man Chris
said:
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... Sowore & SR, you are things just to creat unnecessary sensation where non seems to exist. Was Atiku actually summoned to appear in court in connection with William Jefferson trial in US? Pls check the facts again and re-present this story in a decent manner. Those of us who followed this story, even in SR,knew that William Jefferson only used Atiku's name to collect the bribe, and never delivered to Atiku as he claimed in his numerous statements till the FBI found the marked notes in his deepfreizer. Pls be fair and ballanced in your reporting, that alone is what will enhance your reputation and not these unnecessary sentionalism. Are you saying that Atiku is wanted in US? Those OBJ/Ribadu EFCC charges you just reproduced,are you not aware all have been quashed in Nig' courts for lacking in evidence? |
Anopheles (Atlanta,USA)
said:
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... Atiku is wanted in the US. Ibori is wanted in the UK. Saharareporters, kindly post the list of wanted Nigerian politicians. You can then open a fund for reward to anyone that manages to get them arrested and jailed. Preferably in the US. US has no time for criminals, small or big. Remember Noriega and co. It will be nice to see all our governors, reps, senators, local government chairmen and their councillors doing time in US jails. |
