Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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07ABUJA2082 | 2007-09-27 13:09:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Abuja |
1. (C) SUMMARY. Immediately following assurances by Secretary to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission SIPDIS (EFCC) Emmanuel Akomaye that the rift between the EFCC and the Attorney General (AG) is not a problem, Chief of the EFCC External Cooperation Unit Ibrahim Mohammed pulled Poloff aside to request public statements of support and private urgings of support to high-ranking GON officials. On September 24, Poloff learned from the British High Commission law enforcement liaison officer that the EFCC told the London Metropolitan Police that the AG has been attempting (to date unsuccessfully) to interfere in the Ibori and Alamieyeseigha cases. The EFCC told the Met Police that they have initiated an investigation of the AG, indicating that they have proof of financial transactions from Ibori to the AG. Given that the EFCC, despite any shortcomings, is the single agency capable of making headway against corruption, post requests public and private statements, especially in high-level meetings on the margins of the UN General Assembly, in support of the EFCC's work. END SUMMARY. AKOMAYE - PAINTING THE ROSEY PICTURE -------------------------- 2. (C) On September 21, Poloff and Regional Affairs TDYers met with Secretary to the EFCC Emmanuel Akomaye and Chief of the External Cooperation Unit Ibrahim Mohammed. Akomaye maintained that Attorney General Michael Andoakaa has been playing a normal role of policy oversight and has not interfered in the management of investigations or prosecutions. He assured Poloffs that nothing has changed and that the EFCC continues its investigations into former governors and other corrupt officials. In particular, he noted that the EFCC is still prosecuting former Delta Governor James Ibori (as opposed to press reports indicating the AG has taken over prosecution) and that the AG has not taken over the case against former Abia Governor Orji Kalu. 3. (C) With regard to specific cases, Akomaye noted that the EFCC is working with London Metropolitan Police in the ongoing investigation of Ibori and that charges have been brought against former Bayelsa Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. Akomaye said the EFCC is reviewing its case against former Rivers Governor Peter Odili. He explained Odili's September 20 injunction restraining the EFCC or AG from arresting Odili as a preemptive move which will do no more than buy Odili a few days while the court reviews his petition. In the end, Akomaye asserted the Supreme Court has on numerous times upheld the authority of the EFCC and no court can be used to remove responsibility for criminal action. 4. (C) Akomaye told Poloffs he sees a "bright future for the EFCC" under President Yar'Adua, noting that Yar'Adua's anti-corruption message is much stronger than former President Obasanjo's. Yar'Adua proved his pedigree as an upstanding Governor in Katsina State and, Akomaye claimed, his commitment to fight corruption is apparent throughout his public service. Akomaye also noted the increased level of supervision of public expenditures under Yar'Adua's administration. MOHAMMED - WHAT WE REALLY WANTED TO TALK ABOUT -------------------------- - 5. (C) On the way out of the meeting, EFCC Chief of External Cooperation Ibrahim Mohammed pulled Poloff aside and said he had a "favor to ask." He asked for USG support of the EFCC through public statements and private urging of high-ranking officials to support the EFCC, indicating "it is very important to us right now." COMMENT. Mohammed's request seems more telling of what is really happening behind the scenes and points to a genuine rift between the AG and EFCC. Interestingly, when Poloff called to request the appointment, Mohammed said he had intended to call that afternoon and request an appointment. He told Poloff the EFCC is requesting appointments individually with key donor ABUJA 00002082 002 OF 002 countries. END COMMENT. AND NOW FOR THE REST OF THE STORY... -------------------------- 6. (C) On September 24, Poloff met with British High Commission law enforcement liaison officer James McLaughlin. McLaughlin told Poloff that London Metropolitan Police officials met with EFCC officials in Abuja last week. During that meeting, EFCC Chair Ribadu confided in Met Police officials that AG Andoakaa has been attempting to interfere in the Ibori and Alamieyeseigha cases. Ribadu said the EFCC has successfully held off the AG thus far, but McLaughlin said Ribadu is very concerned. According to McLaughlin, Ribadu told the Met Police that the EFCC has initiated an investigation into Andoakaa, indicating they have proof of recent financial transactions between Ibori and the AG. COMMENT: POWER STRUGGLE DOESN'T BODE WELL FOR EFCC -------------------------- -------------------------- 7. (C) COMMENT. A power struggle between the EFCC and the AG is likely to come out in favor of the AG unless President Yar'Adua steps in to restrain Andoakaa. The AG has the law on his side; the Constitution gives the AG oversight authority, which provides a basis for the AG to step in and take over any investigation or prosecution. While Obasanjo appears to have used the EFCC for personal political motives at times, he did provide a strong cover to the agency -- keeping it above the political fray. Yar'Adua has taken a hands off approach to the EFCC, which could spell doom if the AG is not reigned in soon. 8. (C) COMMENT CONTINUED. Given that the EFCC is the only agency to date which has been successful in fighting corruption (even with the shortcomings cited under the Obasanjo administration), its demise or emasculation would leave a void which no other agency has shown the potential to fill. Post will look for opportunities to publicly voice USG support for the EFCC. In addition, we will privately emphasize the need for a strong and independent EFCC as a means to reach Yar'Adua's goals of fighting corruption and strengthening economic development through improving the investment climate. Post requests Department to use upcoming high-level meetings on the margins of the UNGA to relay a similar message of support. END COMMENT. GRIBBIN |