Embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, paid a staggering $3million, approximately, N850 million annually to a United States firm of attorneys, to provide ‘security/defence advice’ to Nigeria on Boko Haram, Pointblanknews.com investigation reveals.
According to a document made available by sources at the United States State Department to Pointblanknews.com, the firm, was also expected to ‘pursue potential donation of military and law enforcement equipment from the US government. ‘
The firm, Patton Boggs LLC, based in Washington DC, appears to be the ‘favorite’ consultant’ of some top Nigeria government officials including a former Foreign Affairs minister, Ojo Maduekwe who hired the firm for $1m per annum to ‘advice Nigeria on bilateral relations with the US government.
J Gordon Arbuckle signed for the firm while Dasuki did for Nigeria. It was not clear how long Dasuki had been using foreign based firms but this agreement was sealed on August, 2013.
The first installment of $750,000 was paid in September 1, 2013.
The agreement explains the assignment in part “…by providing a comprehensive security/defence advice, and to include pursuing potential donation by the US government to the government of Nigeria excess military and law enforcement equipment. “
It says further ” we ask for an annual budget of $3million USD, paid in quarterly instalments of $750,000, each payable on the first day the engagement commences ( we recommend 1 September 2013) and subsequently, on the first day of each successive quarter.”
According to the terms ” This budget will be all inclusive, that is, it will cover our fees and those of others we engage to work with us, travel, other operational costs and ordinary business expenses”
Efforts by Pointblanknews.com to speak with the former security chief on the terms and to explain the quantum of donations the firm facilitated from the US, and how a law firm provided security advice, were unsuccessful.
Also, emails and phone calls sent to Patton Boggs Spokesperson, Angelo Kakolyris were not answered as at the time of going to press.
