Global Coalition Asks Ex-President Obasanjo To Explain Alleged $1.125million Bribery Through Afe Babalola To Judges On Adamawa Ruling
The letter, signed by the group’s Global Coordinator, Comrade Frederick Odorige, is titled, “Open Letter to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo: Did you send money through Chief Afe Babalola to bribe Appeal court judges?”
The Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria (GCSDN), a Nigerian diaspora organisation active in 40 countries, has issued an open letter to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, requesting clarity on allegations of judicial bribery during his administration.
The letter, signed by the group’s Global Coordinator, Comrade Frederick Odorige, is titled, “Open Letter to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo: Did you send money through Chief Afe Babalola to bribe Appeal court judges?”
It seeks Obasanjo’s response to claims that he funnelled $1.125 million through Chief Afe Babalola to influence Appeal Court judges in declaring Boni Haruna as the Governor of Adamawa State in 2000.
SaharaReporters had reported that Wikileaks classified United States diplomatic cable exposed how Nigerian legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, and former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, way back in 2004 allegedly purchased a Court of Appeal ruling that ensured the then Adamawa State governor, Boni Haruna, remained in office.
According to the US diplomatic cable, an attorney for then Governor Haruna, who worked for Afe Babalola, confirmed that the favourable ruling by the Court of Appeal “was ensured in typical Nigerian fashion: with cash.”
“The attorney, who works for Presidential attorney Afe Babalola, said that when President Obasanjo sent Babalola to take over the appeal, he also sent cash to be used for the appeal.”
GCSDN, known for advocating transparency and accountability in governance, stressed the importance of addressing the allegations to preserve public trust.
“Silence on such a sensitive issue risks further eroding confidence in democratic institutions,” the coalition stated.
The letter read, “I am writing to you on behalf of our organisation known as the Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria. We are a Nigerian diaspora group operating in forty countries. Our objective is the promotion of security and democracy in Nigeria.
“It has become very pertinent to write this open letter to you because it is equally your easy medium of communication. Your continuing contribution to national discourse and your recent suggestion that the Independent National Electoral Commission should be overhauled, is hereby referenced and very well appreciated.
“Apart from being a patriot, it is on record that when the years of leadership in both military and civilian governance are combined, you are the only person that has ruled Nigeria for the longest number of years. Undoubtedly, that is a divine privilege. On this note, you and your opinions are highly respected,” the Global Coalition stated.
GCSDN noted that the matter between Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, and Mr Dele Farotimi is no longer news.
“We have read a publication on Peoples Gazette of 9 December 2024 in which it was stated that a “leaked U.S. government cable showed that senior lawyer Afe Babalola spent at least $1.125 million on five judges who sat at the Court of Appeal in the early 2000s to procure a favourable judgement for his client, then Adamawa Governor Boni Haruna…a lawyer on Mr Babalola’s team told the U.S. government that the senior advocate won the controversial matter with cash and that he was among the persons who carried N30 million untraceable bank notes to bribe the justices at Mr Babalola’s behest….The attorney, who works for Presidential attorney Afe Babalola, said that when President Obasanjo sent Babalola to take over the appeal, he also sent cash to be used for the appeal.”
It said, “Based on the above publication and the role you reportedly played, we wish to respectfully request that you kindly clarify this allegation.
“In life, there is a time for restitution in order to give way for restoration and forgiveness. Nigerians have gone through a lot. Our country needs total healing. We have tolerated, endured and forgiven.
“We believe that your response at this crucial time, will help to unravel the truth. We trust that you are not selective on matters of truth. It is our strong belief that no matter what your response may be, Nigerians will always move on. Please do not keep this matter to yourself as it relates to the problems that needs to be solved for our country to receive the desired healing.
“Sir, Did you send money through Chief Afe Babalola to bribe Appeal court judges to declare Boni Haruna as Governor of Adamawa state?” GCSDN added.
Credit/ Sahara reporter
