The Nigerian Presidency has vehemently refuted allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who claimed that he is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) due to financial transactions linked to the Lagos State Government and its governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Atiku’s claims, disseminated through his media office, were swiftly dismissed by the Presidency as baseless, misleading, and a desperate attempt to maintain political relevance through unfounded accusations and social media gossip. Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is preoccupied with addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability, and therefore has neither the time nor the inclination to engage in petty political distractions.
The Presidency’s response underscored the independence of the EFCC, stressing that the anti-graft agency operates within its statutory mandate without external influence. Any suggestion to the contrary, Onanuga argued, is not only false but also detrimental to the agency’s professionalism and the rule of law. He further accused Atiku of refusing to embrace the role of a statesman following his electoral defeat, instead opting to sow discord through unfounded accusations and unproductive rhetoric. The Presidency urged Atiku to redirect his energy towards constructive contributions that promote unity, economic development, and democratic stability, emphasizing that these are the values Nigeria needs most at this juncture.
Onanuga characterized Atiku’s allegations as infantile and a transparent ploy to divert attention from his political setbacks. He argued that Atiku’s repeated attempts to embroil the Presidency and the Lagos State Government in fabricated controversies reveal a desperate bid for attention amidst his dwindling attempts to forge a political coalition. The Presidency contrasted Atiku’s behavior with the expected conduct of an elder statesman, highlighting that since his defeat in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku has failed to rise to the occasion and contribute constructively to the national discourse.
The core issue at hand revolves around Atiku’s claim of being under investigation by the EFCC in connection with financial activities involving the Lagos State Governor. This claim has been categorically denied by the Presidency, which views it as a politically motivated attack designed to distract from Atiku’s own political challenges. The Presidency’s response not only rejects the allegations but also criticizes Atiku’s post-election conduct, accusing him of engaging in divisive rhetoric and failing to embrace the role of a statesman. This exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions in Nigeria and the persistent use of allegations of corruption as a political weapon.
The Presidency’s emphasis on the independence of the EFCC is significant. It underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of anti-corruption institutions and preventing their manipulation for political gain. The statement serves as a reminder that accusations of corruption should be based on credible evidence and investigated through proper channels, rather than being used as tools for political point-scoring. This reinforces the need for due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The ongoing exchange between Atiku and the Presidency reflects the broader political landscape in Nigeria, where accusations of corruption and political maneuvering are common. The Presidency’s strong rebuttal of Atiku’s claims signals its determination to maintain its focus on governance and resist distractions. The call for Atiku to adopt a more constructive role in national discourse highlights the need for political leaders to prioritize the nation’s interests above personal ambitions. This episode underscores the importance of responsible political engagement and the need for evidence-based accusations rather than resorting to unfounded allegations for political gain.
