Huhuonline.com investigation has revealed that the $6,230,000 fraudulently collected by Godwin Emefiele, former Governor of central bank and others now at large, as payment to election observer in 2023 general election did get to its intended recipients.
Many of the election observers who were accredited by the Independent National Election Commission(INEC) for the 25th February and 11th March 2023 elections, informed our correspondent that they did not receive funding from the Nigerian government.Adding that they were independent observers, thus, non partisan and self funding.
Huhuonline.com gathered that four international organizations were invited and accredited for the 2023 elections, they include,African Union, Ecowas, Common Wealth and European Union. While 0ne hundred and five (195) Nigerian organizations were accredited.
Also, top sources at INEC informed huhuonline.com that the organization does not pay money to elections observers, “infact the the last time we as an organization (INEC) gave money to election observers was during the tenure of Prof. Maurice Iwu.” the source added.
Recall that Prof. Iwu succeeded Abel Guobadia as Chairman of INEC in June 2005. His tenure was due to expire on 13 June 2010.But, on 28 April 2010, Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, who was committed to pursuing electoral reform, sacked Iwu from office over this practice and sundry issues that questioned the integrity.
Also, last week, Boss Mustapha, former Secretary to the Government, during a court proceeding, affirmed the position of the election observers/ INEC, saying, “the Federal Government had no business with foreign election observers.”
“Nigerian government has no business with foreign election observers. I have managed two election cycles and I know that for a fact. INEC has the sole responsibility for that.”
