The Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria (GCSDN) has appealed to the French president, Emmanuel Macron, not to transfer the $150 million looted by the late Nigerian dictator, Sani Abacha, in cash to the government of President Bola Tinubu.
GCSDN made this request in a letter dated November 7, 2023, and signed by its global coordinator, Comrade Frederick Odorige.
The letter, which was addressed to Macron and copied to the French minister for Europe and foreign affairs, Catherine Colonna, and the French ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, expressed concern over the lack of transparency and accountability in the management of the previously returned Abacha loot by the Nigerian government.
It noted that the Federal High Court had ordered the government to provide details of how it spent about $5 billion recovered from Abacha, but the government had refused to obey the court order.
The group also alleged that there were strong indications that some of the repatriated funds were re-looted and that the $150 million that France intended to return would also be re-looted.
The Global Coalition suggested that instead of transferring the money in cash, France should direct its embassy in Nigeria to select some important roads that need urgent reconstruction and award the contracts to reputable construction companies.
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Global Coalition said that the cost of such roads should be equivalent to the $150 million and that France should pay the money directly to the contractors, with the Nigerian ministry of works as a witness.
The group said that this would ensure that the money would be used for the visible benefits of Nigerians and urged Macron to consider its proposal.
The letter concluded by saying that the group had decided to write to Macron because the Nigerian government had ignored the complaints and suggestions of the Nigerian people.