BY Austin Ogwuda
...files separate application in court
Asaba—LEADERSHIP of Democratic Peoples Party, DPP in Delta State, Wednesday, described the excuse offered by Delta State Government for not demanding for the $15 million allegedly recovered from the former governor, Chief James Ibori, earlier than now, as a lame excuse and untenable.
Similarly, Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence, FJHRD, led by Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, described the excuse as "cosmetic and an after thought."
Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Charles Ajuyah, SAN, had, while briefing newsmen shortly after the Executive Council meeting on Tuesday in Asaba, explained the reason for the delay this way.
But speaking to our reporter in Asaba, state Chairman of DPP, Chief Tony Ezeagwu, said: "The money had been there. Why did the Delta State Government not say so since? The money is Delta State money. The issue now is not about Ibori. My party has already filed papers in the court. What we are saying is that the money should be sent back to Delta State."
On his part, Ikimi, said: "The reasons adduced by Delta State Government to lay claim to the $15 million are mere cosmetic and an afterthought as Ibori, with the incumbent, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and others, had dissociated themselves from the said money, as they celebrated Ibori's victory at the Federal High Court in Asaba in 2009."
Vanguard Nigeria