20th August, 2010
A group of lawmakers in Benin Republic wants President Boni Yayi impeached over his suspected involvement in a Ponzi scheme that has swindled thousands of people of their savings in the impoverished West African nation.
According to Reuters, the scandal threatens to upset one of the regionâ€
It has already triggered widespread protests and the sacking of a government minister.
At least 50 of 83 members of Beninâ€
The presidency declined to comment. Yayiâ€
The move by members of parliament marks an escalation after at least 100,000 people took to the streets last month to demand the government help them reclaim their money.
ICC Services officials have been put under house arrest and were not available for comment.
The company is accused of stealing some 100 billion CFA francs in deposits this year after promising returns of between 20 and 50 percent.
The letter, seen by Reuters on Thursday and due to be presented to Yayi today, says Yayi hosted ICC officials at the presidential palace on two occasions, and “allowed the company to pursue illegal activity on the territory of Beninâ€.
ICC had invited people to make deposits into accounts it said bore interest rates of up to 50 percent. Depositors in the country, where most people live on around $2 a day, later found out they could not withdraw.
Yayi sacked his interior minister in July, saying he was directly involved in the affair. He had been earlier tasked with heading a team to address the scandal.