The controversial arms deal that made South Africa seize $15m from Nigeria September last year may soon be returned. The money, which was meant for the purchase of arms to fight the Boko Haram insurgents, was seized in two batches of $5.7m and $9.3m.
There has been a rift between the two countries since the South African government held the money. The money was taken to South Africa through Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg in three suitcases by a delegation said to represent the Nigerian government.
The South African government is has decided to return the money in order to have positive diplomatic relationship between the two countries during the administration of Nigeria's President-elect, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.). Again, former Nigerian Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, a close friend to Jacod Zuma, South African President is a strong supporter of Buhari. This is a strong indication that diplomatic relationship can be restored during Buhari's administration.
A South African government source said: “The positive thing about [Buhari] is that one of the people who supported him is Atiku Abubakar. That makes him our man and he will automatically work well with [President Jacob] Zuma.”
Formal communication between both countries is expected to start in order for the money to be returned.
No comments:
Post a Comment