Jonathan has endorsed corruption by nominating Adamu Muazu as PENCOM boss – TMG

A pro-democracy organisation, Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, has described the nomination of a former Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, as the Chairman of the Nigerian Pension Commission as an endorsement of corruption by the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The TMG said its conclusion was based on the grounds that Muazu is still being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged mismanagement of N19.8 billion of his state’s resources while in office as governor.

The group said his appointment has rubbished claims by the administration that it is seriously fighting corruption.

The statement reads in full: “Few days ago, President Goodluck Jonathan nominated former Bauchi State Governor, Mu’azu Adamu as Chairman of the Nigerian Pension Commission (PENCOM), and subsequently forwarded his name to the Senate for confirmation.

“The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) is astonished and peeved by this move of the President, especially in the light of the fact that the former Governor is yet to be cleared by the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of the corruption charges he is facing for allegedly defrauding the coffers of Bauchi State to the tune of N19.8billion when he was Governor of the State. This and other similar acts of Mr. President, particularly his penchant for surrounding himself with famed corrupt individuals makes his government’s so-called anti-corruption efforts a laughing stock, for it is patently obvious from his antecedents that President Jonathan endorses corruption.

“TMG recalls that in the heat of the corruption charges against the same Mu’azu Adamu, President Jonathan appointed him in 2011 as Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). It was with the President’s nod that Business Mogul, Mike Adenuga and his wife, Titi Adenuga in late 2010 walked free from the EFCC charges they were facing for reportedly collecting bribes from Siemens officials; and it was this same attitude of Presidential Romance with alleged corrupt individuals that enabled controversial Lawyer, Dele Oye to walk scot free from EFCC charges of allegedly acting as front for the defunct Oceanic Bank CEO, Cecilia Ibru; and aiding her to loot tens of billions of Naira in Bank assets.

“The Nigerian people of course will not forget in a hurry how this same President granted Presidential Pardon to a notorious convicted corrupt former Governor and his kinsman, DSP Alamieyeseigha and other criminals, including a paedophile. Those who recently looted the Police Pensions Board, including its former Director are yet to be brought to book. The list is endless; yet Jonathan’s regime talks about fight against corruption.

“The attitude of Mr. President in recycling corrupt individuals in public places is worrisome and does not inspire confidence at all. In fact, on issue after issue, he has shown that he will never combat corruption but will rather aid, abet and shield corrupt officials.

“TMG therefore calls on the President to withdraw immediately the nomination of Adamu Mu’azu as Chairman of PENCOM and take creative steps to rebuild goodwill and imbue confidence in the anti-corruption war. This is the only pathway to redemption, prosperity and development in this country.”