Northern Leader Yakassai Confesses: Yes, I Collected Money & It Was Shared

Northern Leader Yakassai Confesses: Yes, I Collected Money & It Was Shared

The confessions are coming in. The same Tanko Yakassai who granted an interview last week and said he did not see one Naira from any PDP member during campaign is now singing a different song.

Northern leader, Tanko Yakassai, has finally agreed that he actually collected the sum of N63million from the former Board of Trustees chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Tony Anenih.

He however said the money he collected was meant for 

some prominent traditional rulers in the Northern part of Nigeria with view to sway their thoughts to ensure “peaceful co-existence” and mobilise their subjects for the 2015 general elections.

The money was part of the $2.1billion meant for the purchase of arms to fight Boko Haram but which was shared among top PDP leaders and associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In an interview last week, Yakassai, known for his usual criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari, had told the interviewer that throughout Jonathan’s five years stay in Aso Rock, he only met the him once and that was when he sought Jonathan’s audience to discuss serious issues of security concern.

In the interview, he denied ever receiving money or any special benefits from the previous administration.

Here's what he said last week: 

“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.” 

In the interview he even challenged President Buhari to be serious with the fight against corruption.

But as soon as Anenih named Yakassai as one of those he game money from Dasuki, story change. Lol!

Confirming he got the on Wednesday, Yakassai named 8 others who benefited from the N53million:

The are former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Anka, Barrister Bitrus Gwada, Alhaji Suleiman Lawal, Dr. Bahago, Chief John Macklink from Plateau, and Senator Sodangi.

The list of traditional rulers visited by Yakassai and his 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.

“Yes, myself and eight others collected N53m from Chief Tony Anenih to pay advocacy visit to prominent northern Emirs to mobilise 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 patriotic individuals who are interested in the peaceful coexistence of the polity,” he reportedly said.

Hmmm...Nigeria go better!