Group queries source of Patience Jonathan’s N10bn property

Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has dared the wife of the former president, Patience Jonathan, to explain how she came about owning a property worth N10 billion, even as a civil servant without holding any government position.

This is coming on the heels of a media report linking the ownership of Aridolf Resort Wellness and Spa, located in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State, to the former first lady.

Reacting to the recent unfolding events, Debo Adeniran, executive chairman of CACOL, queried the source of funds used in constructing, establishing and launching the state-of-the-art facility, reportedly launched toward the end of Jonathan’s administration.

“How did she get the money and even the ones stacked in her account? That is what we Nigerians want to know. As far as we can understand, she didn’t hold any government position; she’s just a civil servant. So, as a civil servant, how did she manage to acquire such a luxurious property that worth that amount, because she would have earned less than 10 percent the amount even if she has been a Director or Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa civil service all of the entire years she has spent on earth.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies have been conferred with the jurisdiction and also empowered to probe any past or current public officials living life above their legitimate earnings; hence, it would be negligent of the EFCC if it wastes time any further in commencing prosecution of the former first lady who has by her action in court confessed she possess an amount of cash and property she couldn’t have legitimately earned.

“We commend so far the efforts of the Federal Government and the anti-corruption agencies for their efforts in probing those publicly exposed persons found wanting. We also call on the government to exhibit pro-activeness towards creating the enabling environment for the fight against corruption by facilitating the emergence of enabling laws that will remove encumbrances on the path of the anti-corruption drive,” Adeniran said.

The EFCC had allegedly arrested four domestic servants, including a driver and a houseboy, whose names were used to open bank accounts for the wife of the former president, with links to various companies having a balance of about $15 million, while another account, which bears Patience Jonathan’s name, had $5 million.

The then special adviser to the president on domestic affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa, was alleged to have opened five accounts for Patience and that only one of the accounts was in her name, while the other four were opened in the names of companies belonging to Dudafa.