What could be described as a disgraceful waste of Nigerian public funds abroad has just taken place in the Sandhurst area of Johannesburg, in a mansion owned by the convicted former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion.

The house, which sits on a 5 acre parcel of land, hosted the Nigerian Senate President, David mark; the Senate Majority leader, Teslim Folarin; Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State; former federal Minister, Sanusi Daggash; Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State; the former governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa; and the embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole.

Last night’s huge occasion was said to be a birthday party thrown for controversial London-based businessman, Terry Waya, who was on hand last night with a horde of girls.

Others present included a former domestic aide to Obasanjo, Andy Uba; controversial businessman, Aliko Dangote; the former governor of Ekiti State and James Ibori’s sidekick, Niyi Adebayo; and former minister Sambawa.

The former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu [/b]was also a notable presence at the party. He held court in a corner of the massive living room and [b]argued over the fate of his predecessor Governor Raji Fashola, vowing that Mr. Fashola would not get a second term since there was an earlier agreement that he would only do one term.

As part of the celebration, the gang watched the third place match between Uruguay and Germany in an in-house movie theatre capable of seating 50 people.

Mr. Igbinedion who was governor of Edo State between 199-2007, was arrested by the Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for embezzling over $500 million in monies belonging to Edo state. In 2008, he entered into a bizarre plea bargain with EFCC chairwoman Mrs Farida Waziri in a deal which saw the judge convict him of extensive money laundering but letting him off with a paltry fine of $35,000. As if pre-arranged, Igbinedion paid the “tip” in the courtroom from his bulbous attire.

Among others, Mr. Igbinedion also owns a huge mansion in Abuja which is believed to be the largest personal house in Nigeria. It is one of many all over the country. The countries abroad in which he has properties include the US, Canada and South Africa.

Mr. Oshiomhole, the current governor of Edo stayed at Mr. Igbinedion’s South Africa mansion last night. He left Nigeria late last week after firing his security chief, Sylvanus Eruaga, whom he accused of illegal bunkering, breaking of oil pipelines and siphoning of fuel, activities he said were against the public interest. It is not clear how his presence at this weekend’s foreign bash by his looting predecessor is in the public interest.

One of the highlights of last night’s soccer party at Mr. Igbinedion house is the politics of the top legislators. Senate president Mark left the party around midnight to attend another party, but after his departure, the Speaker of the House, Bankole, arrived with his date. Some sources said the two politicians were avoiding each other.

Most of the officials are expected to watch tonight’s World Cup final at the stadium. Mr. Dangote and his crew plan to leave soon after the match in his private jet. David Mark, traveling in an official Presidential jet, will leave tomorrow for Abuja, where the Senate expects to pass the budget on Tuesday. It was unclear, at the time of this report, when Mr. Bankole will leave the country, as the House of Representatives adjourned for one week to enable Bankole catch his fun in South Africa.

Meanwhile, a group of Nigerian governors which traveled to Boston, United States, to attend the “Governor’s Forum” of US governors is expected to return to Nigeria today. A source at the National Governors Association told Saharareporters that the Nigerian governors invited themselves to the meeting.

The six Nigerian governors are: Bukola Saraki (Kwara); Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano), and Isa Yuguda (Bauchi). Last year, the Governors Forum of Nigeria also wanted to establish a training programme with Harvard University but a mass protest by Nigerians in the US and Canada forced Harvard to cancel the wasteful training scheme.

http://www.saharareporters.com/real-news/sr-headlines/6508-south-africa-world-cup-final-nigerian-financial-criminals-converge-at-lucky-igbinedions-mansion.html

what a shame. what disgrace. words cannot be found to describe the shame called Nigeria. these thieves are really taking us for a ride. they loot the country dry and go overseas to enjoy the loot. convicted criminal like igbinedion; law makers like David mark and bankole; and self-proclaimed Mr cleans like oshiomhole.

i am seething.

no comment

Why are Nigerian politicians all fat? It is like they can't look after themselves. They are a true representative of fat looters.

the theory is eat as much of the stolen loot as possible.

Or could it be these guys stashed some of these naira in their protruding tummies?

what a shame. what disgrace. words cannot be found to describe the shame called Nigeria. these thieves are really taking us for a ride. they loot the country dry and go overseas to enjoy the loot. convicted criminal like igbinedion; law makers like David mark and bankole; and self-proclaimed Mr cleans like oshiomhole.

i am seething.

seething is mild.
its like having an ak45 ,comes to mind.
even oshiomhole.
this country. kai.