The Presidency has asked global banking giant, HSBC, to return all of Nigeria’s looted resources stowed in their coffers.
The presidency’s call is coming against the backdrop of HSBC’s recent declaration that President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term would spell doom and stunt Nigeria’s economy.
“The Presidency wishes to make clear to all Nigerians, and particularly the global banking giant HSBC, which said the second term of President Muhammadu Buhari would stunt the economy, that what killed Nigeria’s economy in the past was the unbridled looting of state resources by leaders, the type which was actively supported by HSBC,” the Presidency said.
A statement signed by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu on Saturday said: “A bank that soiled its hand with “millions of US dollars yet-to-be-recovered Abacha loot” and continued until a few months ago to shield the stolen funds of one of the leaders of the Nigerian Senate has no moral right whatsoever to project that a “second term for Mr. Buhari raises the risk of limited economic progress and further fiscal deterioration.
“Rather, we ask them to heed President Buhari’s constant refrain: return our stolen assets, then see how well we will do.
“From the facts available to our investigation agencies, HSBC’s put down on President Buhari is no more than an expression of frustration over the administration’s measures put in place which has abolished grand corruption, the type which this bank thrives on in many countries.
“They may also just be out to discredit the President out of the fear of sanctions and fines following the national assets that are stolen.
“For many of them, including their friends in the media, they would rather have President Buhari out of their way, for business as usual to return.
