The former Permanent Secretary, Ministries of Power and Water Resources, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali has said that the allegation of looted funds by the Federal government against some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts were unfounded.
In a statement personally signed by him and made available to Newsdiaryonline.com, the former permanent said that his name was smuggled in bebause he was former president Jonathan’s men.
According to the statement, “My attention has been drawn to a publication and electronic broadcasts attributed to the Minister of information, Mr. Lai Mohammed, listing persons connected with PDP considered to have ‘looted’ various sums from government treasury. And that such sums have been recovered from them. On account of my background, I am normally taciturn. But cannot keep silent against such weighty unfounded allegation.
“Not surprisingly, my name was smuggled to the list, against a whooping ‘loot’ of N7 billion. I understand, Amb Godknows Igali was dragged in last minute, to create the needed effect. After all, “he’s one of Jonathan’s main men!” Igali said.
He explained that the allegation was false as no amount had been traced to him and has been living a life of modesty.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this is totally false; as no amount whatsoever has been recovered from me or traced to me. Indeed, N7 billion recovered from which accounts, which banks and when?
“My life has been an open book of distinguished Public Service in Diplomatic Service, Scholarship and Administration. In all places were I had served, the records are there for all to see. I continue to stand tall and remain undaunted. I am of modest background and very simple lifestyle. I am extremely contented and awesomely grateful to God.
“I should lament, that this is the third time this government has hit the headlines, with such negative news about me, since 2016. Coincidentally, all the three occasions were during festive periods. Most prominent is the tale of 45 SUVs supposedly found in my compound, which everyone now knows was a fabrication and fake news.
“It is now common knowledge that the vehicles in question were left–overs that the erstwhile Jonathan-Sambo Campaign bought with a bank loan and confiscated from the premises of a known business concern that is not connected whatsoever with me. The loan is now being recovered forcefully and perhaps being termed a ‘loot’,” Igali explained.
He further stated that it was obscene, unfair and ungodly for the Buhari administration to continue to persecute those that were close to former president Jonathan.
“I knew that some of us close to former president Jonathan, especially I, will suffer and carry lots of crosses. So they have continued to pursue without relenting. Yes, some of us are victims and scapegoats. Its all obscene, unfair and ungodly! But then, these and many more afflictions will come like floods and pass. There is nothing new under the sun. So it is well, indeed!” Igali lamented.