The popular ongoing Dasukigate scandal might be worth more than the reported $2.1billion dollars as has been widely reported in some sections of the media.
Following the revelations that have been coming out from the scandal, the reports had given hint to the fact there is more money involved in the scandal.
Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo confirmed the figure today, May 17 while speaking at a book launch in the prestigious Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.
Osinbajo who was the chief guest at the presentation of a book titled ”Anatomy of Corruption in Nigeria” said the federal government is investigating $15billion theft in the oil sector.
The book was written by respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); Mr Yusuf Ali. His words: ”All through the period Nigeria was earning over hundreds of dollars from the proceeds of, the external reserves were pretty much the same.
”Today, we are investigating cases where over $15billion was lost in one type of contract alone and I am not talking of security contracts, we haven’t talked about all other contracts.”
Speaking on the effects of corruption in the society, Osinbajo said: ‘‘Corruption directly affects the lives and livelihoods of everybody. It is an existential threat to our country.
”It is not just an evil, it is not just an economic threat, it is an existential threat. Corruption is not just petty stealing. It is stealing the future.”
Osinbajo also reserved praises for the author of the book, noting that he has kept his head above the water despite all the temptation in law practice.
He stated that he was happy to be part of the book presentation adding that the author has an excellent character. On his part, Ali (SAN) said he wrote the book to call attention to corruption which he described as a national malaise.
”We all agree that there is a problem about corruption in Nigeria, the first way to tackle it is to call attention to it and proffer a practical way of tackling corruption.
”Thirdly, it is to encourage others who may have better ideas than I do and may want to contribute intellectually,” Ali noted.
He called on other Nigerians interested in the conversation to contribute their own quota by speaking out against corruption.
Comments
Post a Comment