FG okays monitoring of recovered $311m by CSO

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the engagement of a civil society organisation (CSO) to monitor disbursement of the over $311million recovered in February this year.

Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, in a statement yesterday said the involvement of a CSO was to increase transparency in the management of the funds.

He said the approval came after a presentation by his principal on the competitive bid process involving 17 local and international CSOs and businesses.

The release added: “The selection process included the participation of the other two countries that signed the tripartite agreement for the return of the Abacha’s three stolen assets – United States of America – and the Bailiwick of Jersey.

“This engagement is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to open government and principles of the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) as well as provisions of the UN Convention Against Corruption on Asset Recovery.”