By Austin Ogwuda
Asaba—Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Charles Ajuyah, SAN, yesterday, explained why the state government did not earlier ask for the $15 million allegedly recovered as bribe from the former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Ajuyah told newsmen shortly after the Executive Council meeting at Government House, Asaba, that the state government decided to wait until the lingering litigation over the matter was concluded.
He said: "All the while, it was subject of litigation. When the case was dismissed by the Federal High Court, Asaba, EFCC appealed. It was a continuation of the proceeding and you could not be talking of claiming property at that time."
He said the state government had formally filed its claim in the court with intent to taking custody of the money, adding: "We have applied. We are saying that we are entitled to that money. The principle that applied in other states on similar issues should prevail. Delta State cannot be an exception. We are saying that we are entitled to the money. We are entitled to it and we are taking ownership."
On why the government allowed a private lawyer to file application on behalf of the state, he said that at no time did he abdicate his duty, saying, "I did not give consent to any person to file any application in connection with the matter."
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