Retrieving N94tn unremitted fund, solution to crisis in economy – Falana

Human rights activist and lawyer, Femi Falana, has requested the Federal Government to force the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to return unremitted funds between 2010 and 2014 and another N94tn with the oil operatives.

Falana declared that the statement by the NNPC that there was no money to remit into the federation account next month meant to blackmail the government to accept deregulation policy of the downstream sector.

He talked in Abuja at a speech to honour Prof. Omotoye Olorode on Thursday.

Falana said, “The Auditor-General of the Federation has revealed that between 2010 and 2014, $16bn worth of crude oil was not accounted for by the NNPC. Also, the Revenue Mobilisation and Allocation Commission and NEITI have come out to say that the NNPC has failed to remit to the federation account about $22bn dividends paid by the LNG.

“The NNPC has not, up to this moment, denied any of these serious allegations. So, if they say there is no money now, it is meant to blackmail Nigerians that the Corporation won’t remit money because it is paying for subsidy.

“Federal and state governments would then move to stop subsidy so they can have money to pay salaries, allowances and pension. But Nigerians must tell the government that there are alternative sources.

“We have written to the President about how government can recover N94trn. We are going to insist now that recovering this money is the way to go.”

In his speech named, ‘Labour and the quest for Nigeria’s development: Reflections and prognosis on the way forward,’ Falana criticised President Buhari for dividing the nation “through his body language and lopsided appointments.”

He also blasted the labour movement for deserting the traditions of the founding fathers such as Michael Imoudu, Nduka Eze, Wahab Goodluck and Ali Chiroma.

An ex-chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, who led the event, stated that the labour movement has a vital role to play in guaranteeing the rise of a government that is based on social justice.

In addition, Falana declared that the smuggling of petroleum products outside the nation had official backing.

Falana said, “The alleged smuggling of petroleum products from Nigeria to neighbouring countries has official backing; it is officially sanctioned. My suggestion that mega stations be built by the NNPC in neighbouring countries has been ignored.

“After all, Nigerian banks and other businesses operate in the member states of ECOWAS.  If such mega stations are built, they would be selling fuel from Nigeria at official rates in a way that smuggling would end.”