President Muhammadu Buhari has presented to his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, evidence of infractions committed under his watch in defence of the determination of his administration to probe the previous government.
It was learnt that the president, during a late night meeting with Jonathan at the State House on August 6, showed reports of discreet probes conducted by the new government on the immediate past administration to the former president.
It was learnt that the secret meeting between the two major contenders in the last presidential election was at the instance of the diplomatic community to douse rising tension in the country.
Multiple sources said Buhari showed Jonathan evidence of infractions committed under him as a president, especially diversion of funds, unwholesome oil deals, arms purchase and several others.
It was gathered that the president told his predecessor that he was not playing to the gallery in the fight against corruption as the public was made to believe.
He said there were proofs of high-level corruption against some officials who served under Jonathan.
Besides, one of the sources said Buhari showed Jonathan evidence of recoveries made so far in terms of assets and funds from some officials of the immediate past government.
Of interest was the report of an investigation carried out by a security agency on an aide of the former president from who about N1.5 billion had been recovered from.
“The president showed Dr. Jonathan some discoveries made on several infractions by officials of his (Jonathan) administration. He justified why his administration must recover looted funds and prosecute the offenders. It was a frank talk between the two leaders.
“President Buhari availed Dr. Jonathan of reports of various discreet probes on oil deals, diversion of funds and unwholesome arms deals.
From the reports, there is overwhelming evidence of infractions which the former president could not dispute,” the source said.
Buhari stated that he was not out to humiliate Jonathan in his fight against graft and assured him of his highest regards for the former president.
He, however, stated that no sensible person would ignore the spate of impunity that was prevalent in the last administration.
The source said Jonathan, in his response, feigned ignorance of many of the infractions. He was said to have mentioned some of his aides, including one of his former chiefs of staff, as one of those who could assist the president to unravel the alleged shady deals committed by some top officials of the previous administration.
The source said Jonathan gave assurances of his willingness to cooperate with the government if the need arises. “From the evidence so far, it is either the former president lacks the capacity to govern or abdicated his responsibilities.
A source said that while the former president might be spared of ‘direct’ probe, his aides, officials and associates who have questions to answer would be prosecuted.
Buhari presented the evidence during his meeting with Jonathan at the State House on August 6.
Buhari also showed Jonathan reports of various discreet probes on oil deals, diversion of funds and unwholesome arms deals.
Aside the infractions, Buhari also provided evidence of recoveries made so far in terms of assets and funds from some officials that serve under Jonathan.
Also read: Buhari denies meeting Obasanjo, Jonathan to halt anti-graft war
He justified why his administration must recover looted funds and prosecute the offenders.
Buhari noted that he was not out to humiliate Jonathan in his fight against corruption and assured Jonathan of his highest regards.
Jonathan, in his response, feigned ignorance of many of the infractions.
The former President gave assurances of his willingness to cooperate with the government if the need arises.
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