Ex-First Lady, Patience Jonathan Must Explain Source Of $31m – NLC

patience-jonathan-efccThe Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has challenged former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, to disclose how she made the $31million that was frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in four separate bank accounts.

The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, told newsmen at the ‘NLC National Youth Conference’ in Abuja, yesterday that the former First Lady should prove the money was earned legitimately.

Wabba also challenged Mrs. Jonathan to tell Nigerians the kind of business she did from which she got the $31 million frozen by the anti-graft agency.

“We have said it over and over again that NLC is the first organisation that actually supported, openly, the anti-graft war. We said recover, investigate and prosecute so that it can serve as a deterrent. Our position is clear on the issue. In this respect, the onus of proof is on her. She must inform all of us the sources of the money”, he stated.

The NLC leader further stated that “She must explain what business she has done to accumulate such wealth. In other climes, people would have forfeited such funds. This is our position and we have always been consistent about it”.

According to him, lack of accountability and high scale corruption was among reasons the country is currently passing through economic challenges whereby many states cannot afford to pay workers’ salaries.

“Salaries are not paid in many states not because the resources are not there but because of the inherent corruption in the system”, Mr. Wabba said.

“Corruption fight should also be extended to states and local governments. Wherever there is element of corruption, whoever is involved, the law must take its course.

“There should be investigation. There should be fair trial within the confines of the law and whoever is found wanting, those funds should be recovered and prosecution should follow to serve as a deterrent”, he added.