There are strong indications that the decision
of the South African authorities to seize the $
5.7m involved in a botched arms purchase
deal between a Nigerian Company, Societe D’
Equipment Internationaux, and a South African
company, Cerberus, may have done severe
damage to the image of the two leading African
nations.
The $5.7m was seized by the Asset Forfeiture
Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority in
the deal which was burst by the South African
National Conventional Arms Control.
Investigation revealed that top officers of the
Federal Government were embittered that the
South Africans were carrying out a deliberate
plot to ridicule Nigeria in the international
arena with the issue of the two frustrated arms
deals.
A highly placed government official, who
confided in our correspondent on Tuesday,
said that the Federal Government might be
compelled to take some tough steps to address
the harsh actions of the South Africans against
the country.
The source said that operatives of an office
strategic to government operations in the
country had commenced gathering information
on the continuing aggression of South Africa to
Nigeria with a view to come up with the
appropriate response.
The source said that the South Africans went
too far by seizing the money involved in the
arms deal between legitimate two firms from
the two countries.
There were strong indications that the Federal
Government and its operatives might take
reciprocal steps which might target economic
activities between both countries negatively.
“Look, what I can tell you is that this country
will not allow the South Africans who have
benefitted so much from us to continue to act
this way for ever without a response. I think, it
is now time to call their bluff.
“How can you seize the money belonging to
the Nigerian firm in the deal between two
companies? I think that is absurd and we have
started gathering information.
“If this situation is not handled with maturity,
it could affect diplomatic relationship between
the two countries.
Indications that the botched deal and the
seizure of the $5.7m may attract the ire of the
Federal Government emerged on Monday night
when the office of the National Security
Adviser defended the deal describing it as a
transaction between two legitimate companies.
Another source said that it would not be out
of place for the Federal Government to
summon the Ambassador of South Africa in
relation with the arms deal.
The Special Assistant, Media, to the Office of
the National Security Adviser, Mr. Adekunle
Karounwi, had said in a statement on the
matter that the transaction could not be said
to be illegitimate.
The NSA Office pointed that the South African
had a responsibility to ensure the provision of
a conducive business atmosphere for Nigerian
companies just as Nigeria did for South African
firms in the country.
“We want to state clearly that a business
transaction actually took place between a
legitimate company in Nigeria and another
legitimate one in South Africa through the
bank.
“In the course of events, the South African
company could not perform and decided to
refund the money. What is illegitimate in this
transaction done through the bank?
“Nigeria provides the enabling environment for
South African companies like MTN, DSTV and a
host of others to do business unhindered.
It is our hope that South Africa would
reciprocate this noble gesture.
“There is no alternative, we must win the war
against insurgency, irrespective of the
demeaning activities of fifth columnists.”
When one of our correspondents contacted the
South African Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Lulu
Mnguni, on the issue, he said that the seizure
of monies meant for purchase of arms by his
country would not affect the existing
relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.
The envoy noted that Nigeria and South Africa
had come a long way, stressing that the spat
between the two countries over the arms
purchase debacle would not destroy the
relationship between them.
Mnguni, who said he would not comment on
the separate seizures of $9.3m and $5.7m
meant for purchase of arms by Nigeria,
explained that the incidents were being
investigated by the South African Police.
The ambassador, however, said the Police
investigation would clear the controversy
around the seizures, and reveal whether the
arms deal followed the due process or not.
He said, “Nigeria and South Africa have come a
long way, so I don’t think this incident can
destroy it. But I won’t be able to comment on
the incidents because they are under
investigation by the Police and I cannot pre-
empt the investigation.”




source: http://www.punchng.com/news/5-7m-scandal-threatens-nigeria-south-africa-relations/#comments