The fugitive used to be my son-in-law – Buhari
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the latest revelation at the Federal Mortgage Bank Nigeria (FMBN) in which President Muhammadu Buhari’s son-in-law, Mr. Gimba Yao Kumo is allegedly involved in the $65 million National Housing Fund (NHF) scam further confirms that the Buhari presidency is indeed a sanctuary for fraudsters, treasury looters and common criminals who are cronies and relations of the people in power.
Kumo, former managing director of the FMBN, had in 2016 married Fatima, the president’s daughter, in Daura, Katsina State.
Recall that the ICPC on Thursday began a manhunt for Kumo and two others, Messrs Tarry Rufus and Bola Ogunsola over the alleged theft while he (Kumo) was the managing director of the FMBN.
A notice published on the ICPC’s website and signed by its spokesman, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua reads: “The persons whose pictures appear above, Mr. Tarry Rufus, Mr. Gimba Yau Kumo and Mr. Bola Ogunsola, are hereby declared wanted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in connection with issues bordering on misappropriation of National Housing Funds and diversion of the sum of $65m.
“Anyone who has useful information on their whereabouts should report to ICPC Headquarters, Abuja, any of the ICPC state offices or the nearest police station.”
Recall that the senate committee on public accounts had in April summoned Kumo to explain the alleged irregular award of N3 billion contracts when he was still at the bank.
The committee issued the summons following a query raised in a 2015-2018 report by the office of the auditor-general of the federation (AuGF) against the FMBN.
According to the report, the contract was awarded in four phases and was overpaid to the tune of N3, 045,391, 531.97.
PDP reacts
The PDP in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said the allegation speaks volumes that the Buhari presidency had remained silent in the face of the huge fraud.
The party charged the ICPC not to succumb to reported pressure from the cabal in the presidency but to track down Kumo and bring him to book alongside his accomplices.
It noted that “while millions of hardworking Nigerians cannot afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life due to the misrule and corruption of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its administration, they are daily assailed by revelations of unbridled treasury looting under President Buhari’s watch.
“Is it not provocative that at the time the Buhari administration is moving to cut workers’ salaries, increase the cost of fuel, electricity and other tariffs in a country with over 33 per cent unemployment and where citizens have been subjected to the worst forms of poverty, government officials, cronies and relations of those in power are busy looting our agencies and carting away our common patrimony?
“It is even more distressing that the looted FMBN money is part of funds contributed by Nigerians to meet their home needs which has instead fallen under the predatory proclivities of the APC administration.
“While the Buhari Presidency parades a holier than thou attitude, the nation’s vaults have been laid open for the ruthless pillaging by family members, relations, cronies in the Buhari Presidency.”
The PDP urged the president to allow for an open investigation of Mr. President’s son-in-law.
Kumo no longer my son-in-law
Responding, spokesman for the president, Mr. Garba Shehu said in a statement that the fugitive is no longer Buhari’s son-in-law.
He stated that the latest move by the ICPC to declare Kumo wanted, notwithstanding his connections, has shown the seriousness of the Buhari administration to fight corrupt practices in the country.
“A running story to the effect that the ICPC has declared ‘an in-law of the President’ wanted in connection with fraud involving the large sum of money, USD65 million to be exact. This should normally be an affirmation that our anti-corruption agencies/institutions are truly independent and allowed unfettered freedom by the President; which is in fact the case. That a state institution can issue such is a measure of the administration’s commitment to accountability, equality and justice.
“To set the records straight, the person declared wanted by the ICPC is not an in-law to President Buhari. While at some point in time, the said fugitive from justice had been linked to a family member in marriage; that relationship has ended some years ago.
“It is therefore unfortunate to bring the Presidents family into this case. It is in our view an attempt to generate views and sell copies of sensational reporting.
“The President’s position at all times is that the law be allowed to take its course. As is well known of him, President Muhammadu Buhari will not provide any cover for crime, no matter who is involved,” Shehu said.
