Atiku’s Visit Criticized by Nigerians In US…To be questioned upon return
By
Abasi Femi Oguntayo
Some Nigerians in the United States have criticized
the visit of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubarkar to the United
States, saying it does not absolve him of corruption.
the visit of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubarkar to the United
States, saying it does not absolve him of corruption.
The Nigerians who were the US chapter of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) criticised the visit saying this does not absolve
him of corruption. In a statement by its chairman, Adeshegun Labinjo, the US
APC said the PDP presidential candidate should be held accountable for his
involvement in money laundering.
Progressives Congress (APC) criticised the visit saying this does not absolve
him of corruption. In a statement by its chairman, Adeshegun Labinjo, the US
APC said the PDP presidential candidate should be held accountable for his
involvement in money laundering.
Meanwhile, the minister of Information in Nigeria, Lai
Mohammed has said that the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar, has questions to answer when
he returns from his current trip to the United States. According to Premium
Times, the minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, said this while
briefing State House correspondents on Friday, January 18. Legit.ng gathers
that the federal government said it is investigating Atiku’s alleged role in
the collapse of former Bank PHB.
Mohammed has said that the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar, has questions to answer when
he returns from his current trip to the United States. According to Premium
Times, the minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, said this while
briefing State House correspondents on Friday, January 18. Legit.ng gathers
that the federal government said it is investigating Atiku’s alleged role in
the collapse of former Bank PHB.
The information minister reportedly explained that
the federal government took the decision to question Atiku “following fresh
evidence that he benefitted from slush funds that led to the collapse of Bank
PHB.”
the federal government took the decision to question Atiku “following fresh
evidence that he benefitted from slush funds that led to the collapse of Bank
PHB.”
He said the government has in its position “paper
trail which shows that he benefitted from N156 million.”
trail which shows that he benefitted from N156 million.”
“It started from an internal memo dated 13 January
2009 asking that a draft in favour of Atiku Abubakar of 156 million should be
raised,” he said. Mohammed also said another memo on the same date was raised
to confirm that the amount was raised from a “claimant management account.” He
said the government has proof of the account mandate, cheque and account
statement showing Atiku as the signatory to the account that received the
money.
2009 asking that a draft in favour of Atiku Abubakar of 156 million should be
raised,” he said. Mohammed also said another memo on the same date was raised
to confirm that the amount was raised from a “claimant management account.” He
said the government has proof of the account mandate, cheque and account
statement showing Atiku as the signatory to the account that received the
money.
“We want him
to stay in the US for as long as he wants but he has to explain to Nigerians
when he returns,” he said.
to stay in the US for as long as he wants but he has to explain to Nigerians
when he returns,” he said.
Commenting on the visit of the former vice president
to the US, the minister said the government had earlier issued a statement
advising the US not to issue him a visa. He, however, said it remains the
prerogative of the US government to issue visa to anyone.
to the US, the minister said the government had earlier issued a statement
advising the US not to issue him a visa. He, however, said it remains the
prerogative of the US government to issue visa to anyone.
Mohammed said: “We
are not perturbed one bit. He can go ahead and get a US green card. That will
not save him from imminent defeat in the forthcoming election.” He also said
the “election will be held here not in the US.” The minister, however, said his
claim does not imply that the former vice president will be arrested on his
return.
are not perturbed one bit. He can go ahead and get a US green card. That will
not save him from imminent defeat in the forthcoming election.” He also said
the “election will be held here not in the US.” The minister, however, said his
claim does not imply that the former vice president will be arrested on his
return.
