A former Special Assistant to former President Shehu Shagari, Tanko Yakassai has confirmed that he and 8 other prominent Northern leaders received N53 million from former PDP board of trustee Chairman, Tony Anenih meant for advocacy for the party during the 2015 presidential election.
Tony Anenih in a letter to EFCC stated that he collected N260 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki and gave N53 million to Tanko Yakasai’s group.
“Yes, myself and 8 others collected N53m from chief Tony Anenih to pay advocacy visit to prominent northern emirs to mobilize their subjects for a hitch free 2015 general elections. I want to make it abundantly clear that I didn’t receive money from Chief Anenih in my private capacity as Tanko Yakasai but to a patriotic individuals who are interested in the peaceful coexistence of the polity”he told Vanguard
Tanko said former minister of state, foreign Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Anka, Barrister Bitrus Gwada and Alhaji Suleiman Lawal, Dr Bahago, Chief John Macklink from Plateau, and Senator Sodangi are beneficiaries of the N53 million. He added that the money was meant for their allowance, hotel and transportation to the various Northern traditional rulers.
The list of other first class chief visited by Yakasai’s team includes, Emir of Anka, Emir of Ilorin, Emir of Nassarawa, Minnie, Bauchi, Zuru, Kebbi, Katsina, Dutse, Hadejia, Representatives of emir of Daurawa, The Tor Tiv, the Gwom Gbom Jos, Ohimege Igu, Kotonkarfe, Etsu of Abaji, Etsu Nupe and Atta Igala. Tanko had in an interview last week denied ever receiving money directly or indirectly from any of Jonathan’s aides or associates
“I want to make it categorically clear that no officials of the last regime either Mr. Jonathan, his lieutenant, agents, contractors or person having links or relationship with the last administration gave me cash on behalf of that regime for a reason.”