Monday, 1 October 2012

House to Probe Otedola, AMCON Debt Deal


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Mr. Femi Otedola
By Onwuka Nzeshi
The House of Representatives yesterday faulted the N140.9 billion debt settlement deal between the Chairman of Zenon Oil and Gas and Forte Oil Plc, Mr. Femi Otedola, and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), saying the procedure was unacceptable.
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, said the transaction was suspect and that the lower chamber of the National Assembly would investigate it when it resumes from its one-week break.
In a statement made available to journalists late Monday, Mohammed said the transaction was done with “confidentiality and secrecy” regardless of the state of the Nigerian economy.
“We have observed with interest the payment of N140.9 billion, being the outstanding debt of a businessman, Mr. Femi Otedola, to AMCON. This payment was credited to AMCON's Managing Director, Mustafa Chike-Obi.
“Obi confirmed that the AMCON board met last Thursday and approved the transfer of the businessman’s assets as well as undisclosed cash to AMCON as full payment and final settlement of Otedola's liabilities.
“The 7th House of Representatives would, on return from its one-week oversight tour, constitute a committee to investigate the amount and the assets so transferred to AMCON.
“It is curious that AMCON, being a government establishment, which is under the purview of the National Assembly, could do that without the knowledge of the House.
“The National Assembly would be interested in getting full details of the transaction,” Mohammed said.
This Day

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