…Writes bank, petitions EFCC
By Hillary Asemota
Human Rights Activist, who is the Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy and Socio-Economic Rights (CASER), Mr. Frank Tietie, has urged the Delta State Government to explain in specific terms coupled with the breakdown of the N150 billion loan facility the State is allegedly requesting from Zenith Bank PLC.
According to him, the request for the breakdown of the intended facility, is made in the public interest and particularly on behalf of citizens of Delta State who have expressed beliefs that the some of the arrangements and processes associated with the said loan transaction are manifestly tainted with corruption, self-interest and clearly against future financial stability of the state, thereby negating the interest of the people of Delta State in general.
In a certified stamped copy of the receipt of the request delivered to the Managing Director of Zenith Bank PLC, Lagos through its Abuja Head Office, said it is the request for the detains is in pursuant to the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act. The copy of the petition was also deposited at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The activist, in the letter made available to the media, said he is demanding and requesting for documents and other related information detailing the terms and conditions attached to the application by the Delta State Government for the loan of N150 billion from the bank.
Tietie, said: “The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) in the exercise of the right to access information pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, hereby writes to request for all the relevant documents showing the terms and conditions relating and attached to the much-publicised application by the Delta State Government for a loan sum of 150 billion Naira from Zenith Bank Plc.
According to him, the information herein requested is therefore important to either confirm or debunk the presumption of corruption and to offer opportunity to the public to make inputs and suggestions to the overall interest of the government and people of the state.
He said: “To the above end CASER undertakes by this request to pay all such appropriate and reasonable fees where necessary to facilitate the urgent obtainment of the information herein requested.