Date Published: 05/05/10

Sir,

Re: Halliburton Scandal Revelations

It remains very disgraceful to note how our past and present leaders remained in stinking cages. The N27billion ($180million) Halliburton bribery case had nearly eighty persons in high places allegedly involved. The list includes from Heads of Nigerian State and their deputies down to first ladies, ministers, security agents, former governors and bankers, et al. This case would make or mar our nation when the involved persons are brought to trial.

The direct initiators of this mess were the past Ministers in charge of Petroleum, namely Chief Don Etiebet, Dan Etete, Rilwanu Lukman (and their NNPC officers) Aret Adams, Edmund Daukoru, Ombo Isokarari, Dalhatu Bayero, et al; refer to front page Daily Independent of 15/4/2010. Only Don Etiebet has tried to put up (not convincing) defence. According to him, he accepted reopening the file of the Halliburton for implementation when he assumed office as Minister but did not take any bribe. Was he aware that some people took?

For the former heads of governments to be lured into this mess shows their knack for greed and corruption. The revelation was worth it and all those really culpable should bury their heads in shame.

This case must not be swept under the carpet for any reason because so doing would spell doom to the entire nation. Those who may have been included unjustly have the opportunity to put up their defence; the innocent must not be treated otherwise as no one should he hounded or branded a bribe-taker until tried and found so.

Benjamin Maduka, 3 Alheri Street, Jimeta-Yola