N40bn Scam: Activist Flays Court’s Judgement

An Activist and Public Affairs Analyst, Chief Sunnie Chukumele, says the judgement of the High Court that threw out the alleged N40 billion loan scam case against former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Demeji Bankole and his deputy, Usman Nafada was a clear manifestation of the immorality plaguing the country.

Chief Chukumele who made the comment in a chat with The Tide in Port Harcourt said through the judiciary was making its mark to reposition itself, some sections of the society are not pleased with the judgement.

He wondered how the duo were absolutely freed from the seventeen count charges against them, pointing out that anyone concerned about the growth of the society must be worried about the judgement.

The activist, however, reasoned that the judiciary system is a different world where courts base their judgements on facts and evidence before final conclusion, saying that it is left for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to appeal the judgement if it is not satisfied with the ruling of the High Court.

“The N40 billion was not stolen by Bankole and Nafada rather they got the loan to settle the welfare of people Nigerians, were feeling are being over-fed. This is where Nigerians are talking about morality, there are the areas some of us are having problems. The lay men may not be too happy with the judgement,” he declared.

Also commenting on the case of late Abiola’s wife, Kudirat in which Al-Mustapha and one other were sentenced to death by hanging, Chief Chukumele said “for 13 years, the court at last considered available evidence and the law took its course.”

The activist used the opportunity to advise Nigerian youth to take their destiny in their hands by trying to identify their talents and pursuing it through creativity and acquisition of skills which could be utilized as entrepreneurial endowment to become self-employed.

He urged the government and other stakeholders to encourage the youths to venture into entrepreneurship which according to him, would mould their future.

Shedie Okpara