Saraki Vindicated: Paris Club Fund Court Decision Affirms His Stance
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has expressed vindication following the recent court ruling on the Paris Club Refund Fund. In a statement, Saraki welcomed the decision by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which dismissed a suit seeking to compel the government to release the remaining $418 million Paris Club Refund to states. He asserted that the ruling was a resounding affirmation of his position on the matter. “This decision vindicates our stance that the Paris Club Refund is not a windfall but a legitimate entitlement of states,” Saraki said. “We have always maintained that the distribution should be transparent and equitable, and that no state should be shortchanged.” Saraki, who as Senate President led the investigation into the Paris Club Refund process, had consistently criticized the government’s handling of the disbursement. He had accused the government of withholding funds from some states and using the refund for political patronage. The court ruling has now validated Saraki’s allegations. Justice Inyang Ekwo, in his judgment, held that the government’s decision to deduct $418 million from the Paris Club Refund for the payment of dubious consultants was illegal and unconstitutional. “The court’s ruling is a victory for the rule of law and for the people of Nigeria,” Saraki said. “It sends a clear message that the government cannot arbitrarily withhold funds from states or engage in underhanded dealings.” He called on the government to immediately comply with the court order and release the remaining $418 million to the affected states. He also urged the government to ensure that all future distributions of the Paris Club Refund are done in a transparent and accountable manner. “We must prioritize the welfare of our people and ensure that they get their fair share of the resources that belong to them,” Saraki said. “The Paris Club Refund is not a gift but a right, and it must be treated as such.”Former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, has hailed the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, which quashed the 2018 decision of the Federal High Court on an alleged N3.5 billion fraud case against Melrose General Services Limited.Former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, has hailed the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, which quashed the 2018 decision of the Federal High Court on an alleged N3.5 billion fraud case against Melrose General Services Limited. In a statement issued by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, on Saturday in Abuja, Saraki said the Supreme Court judgment was a testament to his earlier position that the case had some political undertones and was strategically launched to witch-hunt him. He stated: “As much as this matter was between the EFCC and Melrose General Services Limited, it was a proxy war, with Melrose merely serving as a pawn in a bigger scheme to victimize and persecute me. It was always clear that this case was a thinly veiled attempt by the Buhari administration to weaponize the justice system for political gain. “The Paris Club Fraud allegations were nothing more than a smokescreen designed to weaken the institution of my office, undermine my political career and tarnish my reputation through false accusations similar to the Code of Conduct Tribunal, which also accused me acquitted of all charges. “As I said during my first appearance at the CCT, this is a politically motivated case. The case was initially fabricated because I emerged as Senate President against the wishes of certain forces.”
Court’s Decision on Paris Club Fund Vindicates Me, Says Saraki
The former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has expressed satisfaction with the recent court ruling on the Paris Club Fund, alleging that it corroborates his previous stance on the matter. Saraki, who had been accused of misappropriating the funds during his tenure as governor of Kwara State, had maintained his innocence, claiming that he acted in good faith. The court’s decision, he asserts, legitimizes his position. The judgment, delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja, declared the deduction of $418 million from the funds by the federal government as illegal. The court ruled that the amount constitutes a refund to state governments and should be paid to them. “This decision is a vindication of my integrity,” Saraki said in a statement. “For too long, I have been unjustly accused of wrongdoing. Now, the truth has prevailed.” The ex-senate president added that the court’s ruling “sets a precedent for the fight against corruption.” He urged those who make false accusations to reconsider their actions. It is important to note that the Paris Club Fund is a loan that was granted to Nigeria by foreign creditors in the past. The federal government has been negotiating with the creditors to repay the debt. The controversy surrounding the deductions stemmed from the government’s decision to deduct an administrative fee from the funds meant for state governments.
