Equatorial Guinea Saturday slammed as “unilateral and
illegal” British sanctions against the son of the country’s veteran president,
known for his wildly extravagant lifestyle, over corruption allegations.
The UK on Thursday imposed sanctions on Teodorin Obiang, the
vice president of the central west African country and the president’s son, for
his involvement in the misappropriation of state funds into his own personal
bank accounts.
The Foreign Office said Obiang had made corrupt contracting
arrangements and solicited bribes.
It alleged he had splurged $500 million (425 million euros)
on mansions around the world, luxury cars and a collection of Michael Jackson
memorabilia including a $275,000 crystal-covered glove that the singer wore on
his 1987-89 “Bad” tour.
“The unfounded sanctions imposed by the British government
find their justification in the manipulations, the lies… that some
non-governmental organisations promote against the good image of Equatorial
Guinea”, an official statement from Malabo said.
The vice president “has not made any investment in the
United Kingdom,” it said, terming the measures “unilateral and illegal”.
The sanctions, which provide for an asset freeze and entry
bans into the UK, were taken as part of a global anti-corruption regime by the
British government that also targeted four other individuals in other countries
on Friday.
“The action we have taken today targets individuals who have
lined their own pockets at the expense of their citizens,” British Foreign
Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement.
The only Spanish-speaking country in sub-Saharan Africa,
oil- and timber-rich Equatorial Guinea is one of the most enclosed nations in
the continent.
President Teodoro Obiang, who has ruled with an iron fist
for 42 years, is frequently accused by rights groups of abuses.
His jet-setting son is increasingly seen as the president’s
designated successor.
(AFP)
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com