The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, has acknowledged the revelation on the alleged theft of $65 million by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), against the former MD of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr. Gimba Yau’ Kumo.
He however declared that Kumo is not an in-law of President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement made available to the media, the SSA acknowledged that the there is a running story in the media to the effect that the Commission has declared the former MD of FMBN wanted in connection with fraud involving the large sum of money, $65 million, reiterating that the former MD is no longer an in law of President Muhammadu Buhari’.
Shehu, in a statement acknowledged that this should normaly be an affirmation that our anti-corruption agencies/institutions are truly independent and allowed unfettered freedom by the President.
According to him, this should infact be the case that a state institution can issue such is a measure of the administration’s commitment to accountability, equality and justice.
He said: “To set the records straight, Kumo, who is the person declared wanted by the ICPC is not an inlaw 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 President’s family into this case. It is in our view an attempt to generate views and sell copies of sensational reporting, Shehu, said.
According to the Spokesperson, the President’s position at all times especially in instance of corruptionn 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, added.