It is no longer news that the incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, paid upfront the school fees of his children studying at American International School Abuja (AISA) to the tune of one million US dollars ($1,000,000)....CONTINUE READING
The huge upfront school fees paid to AISA by Yahaya Bello did not go down well with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Our correspondents gathered that the EFCC seized $760,910.84 out of the $1,000,000 that Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State paid to AISA as advanced school fees for four children until graduation over alleged money laundering.
It is in the public domain that the EFCC invited and interrogated the head of the ASIA Mr Greg Hughes, and school management in connection with the funds.
Sources said that during the interrogation of officials of the school, the EFCC noted that the advanced school fees were proceeds of an alledged crime.
There are allegations that the school is being used as a channel for laundering money.
While the commission continues to grill Yahaya Bello and his conspirators, the ASIA, particularly Mr Greg Hughes, Head of School, needs to answer some pertinent questions begging for answers.
It will be logical for the school to exonerate itself from the corruption allegations to restore the confidence of Nigerians in the system.
Parents and indeed Nigerians will like to get convincing explanations from you, Greg Hughes, on the following:
I. Why were you, as Head of School, alongside the Business Manager of the American International School Abuja, arrested by the EFCC?
II. What were the circumstances that led you, as head of the school, to receive the equivalent of $1 million in Naira from a serving Nigerian governor, purportedly as school fees for his children, for 10 years in advance? Are you not aware that this is in direct contravention of provisions of the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering Act and, therefore, potentially an economic crime?
III. Can you explain the actual reasons behind why your business manager, who is South African, abruptly resigned his position?
IV. What plans do you have in place to recover the sum of N3bn that the EFCC seized from AISA under your watch as Head of School, which amount is the subject matter directly of an active investigation by the anti-corruption agency against this same serving Nigerian governor?
V. Does AISA have a functioning corporate governance model? Can you share it with members of the public who may be interested in making your school a destination of choice for their children and wards?
VI. Are you not worried that rumours about your handling of the school as its head may have compromised the image, reputation, and performance profile of an otherwise flagship institution?
There are serious concerns among AISA parents and stakeholders that the Head of School is, in all probability, in cahoots with the school treasurer in this alledged sordid affair.
