Net remaining 'big fish' in Tegeta escrow account scam - Chadema

  Want contested Stanbic bank transactions publicised

Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema)

Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) Board of Trustees yesterday demanded for the arrest and questioning of ‘big fish’ in the still unfolding Tegeta Escrow Account saga.

 

In their named list of persons to be questioned is President Jakaya Kikwete who they allege okayed withdrawal of USD180million from the Tegeta Escrow Account, a saga that has seen development partners suspend their contributions to the national general budget this year.

In its press statement, the board said actions against powerful persons implicated in the scandal have not yet been taken.

 

This despite stepping down from office by two cabinet ministers and President Jakaya Kikwete’s subsequent cabinet reshuffle; Prof Anna Tibaijuka, Housing Minister was sacked by the President mid last month and Energy Chief Prof Sospeter Muhongo announced to resign late last week for being involved in the scandal.Similarly, former Attorney General, Justice Fredrick Werema also stepped down while Energy and Minerals Permanent Secretary Eliakim Maswi was suspended overtly to pave room for investigations.

Nonetheless, Chadema Board of Trustees Chairman Arcado Ntagazwa insists that more has to be done and that they are other ‘big fish yet to be netted.’

 

“This is just the beginning,” he told press in Dar es Salaam.

“We want all those businessmen and government officials who received and transferred money to offshore accounts to be made public and arrested,” he urged.

 

He explained for instance that while all those who received money through Mkombozi Bank have been named (this including clerics, judges, politician and businessmen) those who pocketed money through Stanbic Bank have not.

He said preliminary investigation by PAC said more than 160bn/- was transacted through Stanbic Bank however no name of those implicated has been revealed.

 

“We will continue pressing the government until all those implicated face the hand of the law and justice attained,” he pledged.

 

He named several ‘big fish’ to be questioned to include BoT Governor Prof Benno Ndullu, Finance Minister Saada Mkuya Salum and her Permanent Secretary Dr Servacius Likwelile along with Senior State House officials and President Kikwete.

 

“They’re more hands involved but only few have been pointed out,” he concluded.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN