Tanko Yakassai, former Special Assistant to former President Shehu Shagari, on Tuesday told VANGUARD that he and 8 other prominent Northern leaders received N53 million from former PDP board of trustee Chairman, Tony Anenih     

Tony Anenih in a letter to EFCC stated that he collected N260 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki and gave N53 million to Tanko Yakasai's group.

Speaking to newsmen, Yakassai said, ''Yes, myself and 8 others collected N53m from chief Tony Anenih to pay advocacy visit to prominent northern emirs to mobilize their subjects for a hitch free 2015 general elections. I want to make it abundantly clear that I didn’t receive money from Chief Anenih in my private capacity as Tanko Yakasai but to a patriotic individuals who are interested in the peaceful coexistence of the polity''.

Those who benefited from the N53million include: former minister of state, foreign Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Anka, Barrister Bitrus Gwada and Alhaji Suleiman Lawal, Dr Bahago, Chief John Macklink from Plateau, and Senator Sodangi are beneficiaries of the N53 million. He added that the money was meant for their allowance, hotel and transportation to the various Northern traditional rulers.