Elder Statesman, Tanko Yakassai has confirmed that Chief Tony Anenih gave him and eight other prominent Northerners N53m for advocacy visit to northern traditional rulers and mobilization of northerners in support of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign.
While speaking with Vanguard, Yakassai said “Yes, myself and 8 others collected N53m from Chief Tony Anenih to pay advocacy visit to prominent northern emirs to mobilise their subjects for a hitch-free 2015 general elections.”
He explained that Anenih gave him the money after he had asked him to suggest nine apolitical but respected individuals from the north who will help mobilize their subjects for hitch free 2015 general election.
He added that the money catered for the group’s members allowances, transportation and accommodation on a tour that took them to 18 states in the north.
He named Former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Anka, Barrister Bitrus Gwada , Alhaji Suleiman Lawal, Dr Bahago, Chief John Macklink from Plateau, and Senator Sodangias as beneficiaries of the N53m.
He said they visited Emirs of Anka, Ilorin, Nassarawa, Minnie, Bauchi, Zuru, Kebbi, Katsina, Dutse, Hadejia, Representatives of Emir of Daurawa, Tor Tiv, the Gwom Gbom Jos, Ohimege Igu, Kotonkarfe, Etsu of Abaji, Etsu Nupe and Atta Igala.
Last week, Yakassai denied receiving any form of financial patronage from Jonathan, he said “I want to make it categorically clear that no officials of the last regime either Mr. Jonathan, his lieutenant, agents, contractors or person having links or relationship with the last administration gave me cash on behalf of that regime.”