Indications emerged yesterday on why the former President, Goodluck Jonathan would be invited to answer inquiries before the House of Representatives over alleged complicity in the award of Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245.
Preliminary investigation conducted by the Committee showed that the sum of $1.1 billion was involved in the transaction.
Razak Atunwa, Chairman, Adhoc Committee investigating alleged corruption, malpractices and breach of due process in the award of the OPL 245 disclosed this while giving update int he activities of the committee.
Recall that the House by a resolution taken at plenary set up and mandated this Committee to, inter alia, conduct a thorough examination of the process and circumstances surrounding OPL 245 and identify culpability of any persons, groups or organisations.
To this end, Atunwa who expressed delight over various helpful information on the scandal at both national and international scenes, emphasised the need for the former president to clear himself from the allegations.
“The Committee is aware of recent information that have come to light, both nationally and internationally, indicating that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan may have been complicit in the controversial OPL 245 deal.
“The Committee is also closely monitoring the proceedings in the Italian Courts instituted by the Public Prosecutor of Milan in which Ministers in Jonathan Administration were mentioned including President Jonathan himself.
“These facts have firmly placed former President Goodluck Jonathan on the Committee’s radar.
“The Committee believes that former President Goodluck Jonathan may well be in a position to assist it with its inquiries.
“Accordingly, the Committee is considering inviting him to give evidence before it. An announcement will be made once a formal firm decision is taken on the matter.
“The Committee intends to be meticulous, thorough and comprehensive in its inquiry so as to bring about finality to this seemingly intractable matter,” Atunwa said in the statement.
