Atiku Most Frequently Mentioned Ex-Public Officer in Corruption Reports — TDF
Oru Leonard
The Democratic Front (TDF), has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for describing political contestants as “thieves,” saying the statement was improper and an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, the group alleged that Atiku’s name has featured prominently in several corruption-related controversies involving Nigeria’s political class.
TDF said its fact-checking showed that “no former public officer in Nigeria’s recent history has been mentioned as often as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in major corruption-related reports.”
The group cited accounts contained in former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s book, My Watch, concerning Atiku’s retirement from the Nigeria Customs Service, as well as controversies surrounding his tenure as Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP).
According to TDF, Atiku has yet to adequately explain the circumstances surrounding the valuation and sale of some public enterprises during the privatisation programme.
The group also referred to allegations surrounding the 2005 bribery investigation involving former United States Congressman William Jefferson, noting that although no charges were brought against Atiku, his name featured in accounts surrounding the case.
TDF further recalled the 2006 controversy involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and allegations concerning the diversion of funds from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to private companies allegedly linked to Atiku.
The group acknowledged that Atiku obtained a favourable court judgment against the EFCC indictment but argued that the controversy continued to affect public perception of his integrity.
“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s excessive feature in controversial corruption reports is overwhelming and worrisome. It is not befitting of a person seeking to be elected President of Nigeria,” TDF said.
The group, however, stressed that it was not accusing Atiku of being complicit in the allegations, but argued that the controversies had created a “thick cloud of public skepticism and distrust” around his image.
TDF consequently accused the former Vice President of “throwing stones from a glass house” by describing fellow political contestants as thieves.
The group urged Atiku to address the longstanding controversies surrounding his public record before making sweeping allegations against other political actors.
