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Today marks the 15th anniversary of the jailing of former Petroleum Resources Minister, Prof. Tam David-West, for allegedly contributing to the nation's economic adversity.
Today marks the 15th anniversary of the jailing of former Petroleum Resources Minister, Prof. Tam David-West, for allegedly contributing to the nation's economic adversity.
The Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida had accused David-West of corruptly signing the sum of $57m to an American company, STINNES INTEROIL, and as ingratiation had a cup of tea and a wrist watch gift.
Justice Bello Gusau deemed David-West guilty and sentenced him to imprisonment for 10 years, but in a ruling by a special tribunal on August 8, 1991, Justice D.O Coker said there was "no iota of corruption," in the deal, and discharged and acquitted the Virology professor.
In a twist of fate, however, Gusau who pronounced the original judgement was first promoted Chief Judge of Sokoto, and later dismissed for professional misconduct.
•Turn to Pages 30 & 31 for David-West's reminiscences