Bankole remains in EFCC custody…Reps panic as more charges loom
Speaking to newsmen after the proceedings, counsel to EFCC, Festus Keyamo said the body is not hiding the fact that other charges are being prepared. Bankole was on Tuesday arraigned by the EFCC on a 16-count charge of alleged breach of the Public Procurement Act in awarding contracts for the purchase of bullet-proof vehicles, television […]
Speaking to newsmen after the proceedings, counsel to EFCC, Festus Keyamo said the body is not hiding the fact that other charges are being prepared. Bankole was on Tuesday arraigned by the EFCC on a 16-count charge of alleged breach of the Public Procurement Act in awarding contracts for the purchase of bullet-proof vehicles, television sets, DSTV systems, desktop computers and digital photocopiers, among others in 2008.
Following the application for bail on self-recognition made by the embattled ex-Speaker through his counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the EFCC at the resumed hearing yesterday filed a counter affidavit opposing the bail, arguing that Bankole did not fulfil necessary conditions for the bail and that he has consistently attempted to escape.
The presiding Justice Donatus Okoruwa, who also ordered the further remand of the ex-Speaker in EFCC custody, said the arguments for and against the bail application was weighty enough to require more time for the court to exercise its discretion.
Meanwhile, uneasy is the word in the House of Reps as the trial of the ex-Speaker continues. Several key members of the House are believed to be unsettled since the commencement of the trial after their swearing-in on Monday June 6. The trial is perceived as a dragnet that may eventually enmesh key officials.
Despite denials by the anti-graft agency through its spokesperson Femi Babafemi that the commando-style arrest of Bankole in his Asokoro, Abuja residence 8 pm Sunday and his subsequent arraignment, is not politically motivated, the perception has refused to go away.
Analysts believe the continuation of the case may eventually consume more Reps, including the incumbent Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and his Deputy Emeka Ihedioha as they were both in Bankole’s inner league. They also observe that especially now that the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have pardoned the Reps who rebelled against the party’s zoning arrangement, the case may eventually be used as stick to whip the MPs into line.
Perhaps an indication in this direction is the recent invitation of Usman Bayero Nafada, former Deputy Speaker together with some principal officers of the 6th House of Representatives by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). Others invited are Baba Shehu Agaie, Suleiman Kawu, Bello Mohammed, Tunde Akogun as well as Senator Ali Ndume. They were granted bail later in the evening.
Pundits also believe it is not in the interest of President Goodluck Jonathan’s four-year tenure to embark on brawls with reps because current senators like Ali Ndume and Abdul Ningi were initially part of the Bankole leadership and may still find themselves in the senate leadership to be formed.
According to a report by Daily Trust Friday, Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo met with Speaker Tambuwal and his Deputy Ihedioha on Thursday in a fence-mending move which was said to be initiated by Senate President David Mark. Speaking with newsmen, Tambuwal was quoted as saying the meeting was to “Work together for the common interest of Nigerians.”