$195m: Just In: Amaechi, Israeli firm fingered As campaign fund scandal rocks Buhari Campaign Organisation

A society watchdog, African Transparency International (ATI), has raised the alarm over an alleged $195 million campaign fund scam involv...

A society watchdog, African Transparency International (ATI), has raised the alarm over an alleged $195 million campaign fund scam involving the President Buhari Campaign Organisation, fingering Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and an Israeli security firm.

The group at a press briefing in Abuja alleged that the presidential campaign of the ruling All Progressives Congress is being bankrolled by an Israeli company with a contract interest with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Transportation.

Addressing a group of journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the Operation Director of the group, Demba Abdullahi, disclosed that HSLI Systems and Technology Limited had a $195 security waterway contract with the Nigerian Government until it was later terminated last year by the latter.

The group alleged that prior to the termination of the contract, the company had been paid $50 million which was never refunded, submitting that the said payment is allegedly being diverted to fund the President’s campaign.

On Monday, October 30, 2017, Amaechi had stunned his audience at an event to mark the World Maritime Day, as he unveiled an extensive deal at an estimated value of $195 million with an Israeli company, which he did not name (later it was revealed that the company’s name is HSLI Systems and Technology Ltd.)

Amaechi revealed that as a result of the deal, the unnamed company would gain complete control over Nigeria’s waterways for a period of three years. The Israeli company, he said, would provide training services to the Nigerian national security forces, and at the end of the three-year contract, the Nigerians would regain full control of the waterways from the company.

The agreement also consists of a supply of three helicopters, three aircraft, three big battle-ready ships, 12 vessels, and 20 amphibious cars to secure Nigerian waters.

The Minister of transportation, Amaechi, who doubles as Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organization, explained that the project would obviate the necessity for safekeeping and escort of ships and vessels crossing Nigeria’s waterways. The contract was finally approved and signed by the Federal Executive Council in October 2017.