Politics
Why EFCC must prosecute Atiku – Agbonayinma
Former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, has defended his decision to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over corruption allegations involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Agbonayinma said his action was motivated by his concern for accountability in public affairs and not by political affiliation or personal considerations.
The former lawmaker, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City, also criticised former Senator Dino Melaye for opposing the petition against Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election.
Agbonayinma challenged Melaye to produce any official EFCC decision or court record showing that Atiku had been cleared of the allegations contained in the petition.
He argued that the focus should be on the substance of the allegations raised in the petition rather than his identity, character or political affiliations.
“Rather than attacking my person, character and integrity, why not address the substance of the petition?” he asked.
According to him, the EFCC should be allowed to independently carry out its statutory responsibilities without interference from individuals seeking to defend the former vice-president.
“You cannot defend Atiku Abubakar from an EFCC petition by attacking me,” Agbonayinma said.
He maintained that the petition was intended to give the anti-graft agency an opportunity to examine the allegations and determine whether there was any basis for further action.
Agbonayinma also said that if Atiku had nothing to fear from the allegations, he should be allowed to respond to any questions that may arise during an investigation.
“If you have evidence against me, bring it forward. If you have facts concerning the petition, present them,” he stated.
The former lawmaker further urged Melaye and other critics to engage with the allegations raised in the petition rather than making the dispute personal.
“Defend the facts, not personalities,” Agbonayinma added.
The EFCC petition and the allegations contained in it remain matters for the anti-graft agency to examine. The submission of a petition does not by itself establish that the allegations against Atiku are proven.
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