Atiku under fire over call for Gbajabiamila’s resignation

The Arewa Youth Integrity Forum (AYIF) has criticised former Vice President over his call for the resignation of the Chief of Staff to the President, following allegations of bribery against the presidential aide.

The group described Atiku’s demand as hypocritical, insisting that the former Vice President lacks the moral authority to call for the removal of any public official over allegations when he has faced numerous accusations during his own years in public office.

AYIF was reacting to a statement issued by Atiku’s media team urging President to suspend Gbajabiamila pending an independent investigation into allegations that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives demanded a N400 million bribe.

In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, the forum said while every allegation of corruption deserves a thorough and impartial investigation, no individual should exploit unproven claims for political gain.

“Gbajabiamila is entitled to the presumption of innocence like every Nigerian. If there are allegations against him, the appropriate institutions should investigate them. However, it is ironic that Atiku Abubakar, whose public career has been dogged by several corruption allegations over the years, now seeks to present himself as the nation’s moral compass,” Aliyu said.

The group maintained that Gbajabiamila’s years in the National Assembly and his current assignment in the Presidency have been marked by legislative reforms and administrative service, adding that no court has found him guilty of corruption.

AYIF further accused Atiku of selective outrage, arguing that he has consistently dismissed allegations levelled against him while demanding strict action against political opponents.

According to the forum, the former Vice President should first address questions that have been raised over the years concerning his stewardship in public office before calling for the resignation of other officials.

The group also referenced previous public allegations involving the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), the William Jefferson bribery investigation and other corruption-related claims that have been associated with Atiku in public discourse, noting that the former Vice President has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

“Public office demands accountability, but accountability must apply to everyone equally. Nigerians cannot ignore the many controversies that have surrounded Atiku’s political career while he seeks to sit in judgment over others,” the statement added.

AYIF urged Nigerians to allow the appropriate authorities to investigate the allegations against Gbajabiamila without political interference or media trials.