In the case, in which the sentence was announced Friday, Cabral was accused of taking kickbacks for construction contracts including at an oil refinery in Rio state. He faces charges in nine other cases. Judge Sergio Moro, who heads the nationwide anti-graft operation codenamed “Car Wash,” said in his sentencing that Cabral’s bribe-taking was partly to blame for the state’s near bankruptcy today, “where the population and public servants are suffering.” Prosecutors said that Cabral insisted on kickbacks amounting to five percent of the value of contracts as Rio state ordered huge public works projects ahead of the World Cup and South America’s first Olympics. The powerful governor lived high on the proceeds, splurging on jewelry and other luxury items. Cabral was governor of Rio from 2007-2014, a period that began when Brazil was riding high on strong prices for oil and other commodity exports, but ended in crippling recession. He resigned in 2014 amid violent demonstrations against corruption and budget cuts. The situation is no better today, with public employees ranging from police to medical staff not being paid on time and infrastructure crumbling. A member of President Michel Temer’s centrist PMDB party, Cabral is just one of scores of politicians targeted by “Car Wash,” including senior figures from across the political spectrum. AFP To Receive Free News Updates, Add To Your WhatsApp: 08033857245; For Adverts Enquiries, Call 08083609209, To Publish Your Articles Or News Stories, Email editor@skytrendnews.com. READ ALSO! EXCLUSIVE: Armed Robbery Attack At Zenith Bank Southeast Owerri That Killed One (WATCH VIDEO) READ ALSO! 7 Women Lure Two Men Into Their Car, Rape Them Serially Inside A Bush READ ALSO! REVEALED: How Brave Policeman That Shot Dead Armed Robber In Viral Owerri Video Died READ ALSO! Why Celebrity Marriages Will Continue To Crash — Comedian, Bash READ ALSO! Shock As Married Woman Dies In Hotel Room In Enugu With Alleged Lover READ ALSO! Mercy Aigbe Visits UK Hospital For Treatment READ ALSO! OWERRI ROBBERY: Nigerian Police Under Fire For Disparity In Their Claim Versus The Viral CCTV Video READ ALSO! UPDATE: Why Nigerian Soldier Who Killed Suspected Boko Haram Terrorist Was Sentenced To Death ]]>