BEVERLY HILLS, January 27, (THEWILL) – Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has told Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former minister of finance and and coordinating minister for the economy, that he would only respond to her diversionary allegations rather than exchange vulgar abuse with her.
Falana, who described her attack as “baseless” added that “it is not unusual as she is always quick to deflect criticisms by accusing anyone seeking to hold her to account for her appalling records in government of ulterior political motives.”
He warned her to “stop giving the erroneous impression that she rendered selfless service” to Nigeria since her salaries and allowances were paid in dollars despite a judgment of the court of appeal declaring the payment illegal and unconstitutional.
“For having the temerity to request the ICC to investigate the crimes against humanity committed by some former public officers who bear full responsibility for the atrocities perpetrated by the terrorist group Dr. Okonjo-Iweala resorted to the scurrilous attack of my person,” he said.
“Her baseless attack is not unusual as she is always quick to deflect criticisms by accusing anyone seeking to hold her to account for her appalling records in government of ulterior political motives.
“Therefore, instead of exchanging vulgar abuse with the former Minister I shall respond to the diversionary allegations which lacerated her response and the attempt to extricate herself from the mass looting of the commonwealth under her watch.
“The most ludicrous of Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala sweeping and jejune allegation is that some ‘corrupt elements’ are using me as a tool. Although the allegation is without factual support it is illogical, to say the least.
“Finally, let me make it abundantly clear that my petitions to the anti-graft agencies and the Special Prosecutor of the ICC were anchored on law and facts as there is nothing personal in the ongoing battle to end impunity and retrieve the looted wealth of the nation from corrupt elements and institutions.
“It is my belief that the recovered loot should be channelled towards job creation and infrastructural development. Therefore, all hands should be on deck to ensure that the recovered loot is not criminally diverted by another set of looters.”
Falana had in a petition sent to Fatou Bensouda, prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), on Sunday, asked the court to prosecute and arrest Okonjo-Iweala for failing to “prevent systematic and widespread corruption” in the previous administration.
But responding on Monday, in a statement by Paul Nwabuikwu, her media adviser, the former minister absolved herself of complicity in the arms deal calling the lawyer a charlatan.
Story by David Oputah
