Most Nigerians who reacted Tuesday in the social media see President Muhammadu Buhari as a flip-flop over his statement that the late General Sani Abacha, former Head of State never dipped his hands into public till.
Buhari had on June 9, 2008 declared that Abacha did not steal public funds.
However, on May 14, 2018, the Federal Government of Nigeria, said the $320m stolen funds by General Abacha, would be spent on the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme of the administration to support the poor.
Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the country’s Vice President who represented President Buhari made the statement on Monday at the Eighth Commonwealth Conference of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, saying “The GFAR saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and the Government of Switzerland for the return of an additional $320m of the Sani Abacha loot.
“Included in that agreement is the commitment that the funds would be invested in one of Nigeria’s flagship social investment programmes, the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme targeted at the poorest and most vulnerable households in our country.’’
Reno Omokri wrote in his Twitter “Since President Buhari said Abacha DID NOT loot, why should his government accept the $500 million Abacha loot that the USA is returning to Nigeria? Why is it that Buhari does not believe his former boss Abacha looted but keeps on accusing an innocent Jonathan of looting?”
Rahmond babs wrote “General Sani Abacha Never Stole – @MBuhari, 9 June 2008. I will use $320m Abacha loot to help the Poor – @NGRPresident @MBuhari.”
Sugar Lips said “Buhari, himself, is the clueless one here, he denied it before abacha didn’t loot! You and buhari are clueless and thieves!”
“He’s technically right. Abacha did not still, he looted. Stealing is committed by poor and ordinary people. Men like Abacha and other politicians either LOOT, MISAPPROPRIATE, EMBEZZLE, MISMANAGE & SIPHON funds. You insult their office if you say they steal,” Michael Ojalatan penned.
Udoh noted “Same Buhari who said Abacha never stole and u believe him that he will spend the loot on the poor? Just go to bed and be rest assured that money is going to Buhari’s 2019 re-election.”
“When I come across things like this I can but weep for my country.
Firstly, same Buhari who said that Abacha never stole is now planning on sharing the recovered loot on almajiris and Ramadan feeding of the poor.
Secondly, I dare ask on accountability,” Briggs Hugo stated.
Victoria Bolanle reacted “How we will spend Abacha’s $320m loot..Buhari. This was the same Buhari that said Abacha never stole and wasn’t corrupt. A liar is corrupt and Buhari is one.
Integrity is far from him!”