A sociopolitical group, the All Progressives Media Network (APMN), has responded to the former vice president Atiku Abubakar’s recent scathing remarks, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of corruption.
Atiku took a swipe at the senate president against the backdrop of his (Akpabio’s) recent sexual harassment allegation levelled against him by the suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
But the APC group dismissed Atiku’s indulgence in the matter as unbecoming of a man of his stature and status as an elder statesman, recalling that the former vice president had also been involved at various times in such politically motivated insinuations without the polity being inflamed by opposition forces.
In an interview with journalists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, yesterday, the APMN director general, Otuekong Iniobong John, said it was wrong for other contending forces to jump in and feast on the matter with conclusions that have already convicted the senate president.
He said, “We find it necessary to respond to the recent remarks made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has not only accused Senator Godswill Akpabio, the president of the Senate, of corruption but has also alleged that he has the propensity to abuse women.
“Such statements are, to say the least, reckless and unbecoming of a public figure of his standing.”
He noted that “during his (Atiku’s) tenure as vice president, he was accused of abusing his office with allegations of using his position to acquire numerous national assets fraudulently.”
Otuekong John recalled that these allegations were affirmed by his former principal, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who has categorically stated that “Atiku is too corrupt to be entrusted with any public office in our nation.”
He recalled that in his (Obasanjo’s) autobiography, entitled; “My Watch”, Obasanjo had dedicated several chapters to detailing how Atiku Abubakar misused his position to illegally acquire national assets, noting that “this illustrates not only a history of corruption but also a fundamental lack of character.”
Obasanjo added that he had repeatedly regretted choosing Atiku as his running mate during his presidency, emphasising that the former vice president was “a shameless and blatant liar who should not be trusted by anyone in any capacity.”
“It is clear that someone with such a tarnished reputation lacks the moral standing to accuse others of corruption. Atiku Abubakar’s reckless remarks about Senator Godswill Akpabio reflect mischief, malice, and political opportunism taken too far.”
He claimed that Akpabio has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and integrity in public service, maintaining that his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State was marked by exemplary leadership, visionary policies, and tangible development projects that have endured long after he left office.
“As a seasoned legislator and now president of the Senate, Senator Akpabio has continued to uphold the highest standards of public service, earning him widespread respect and admiration from his peers and constituents alike. His record is a testament to his dedication to the Nigerian people and commitment to serving the nation with honour and distinction.
“The recent allegations made by suspended Senator Natasha against Senator Godswill Akpabio have been thoroughly discredited due to her lack of evidence and clear political motivations. It’s shocking that despite her reputation as a content creator and serial blackmailer, Atiku Abubakar would still choose to amplify her baseless claims.
“Atiku Abubakar’s decision to sponsor Senator Natasha’s trip to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference in New York, where she proceeded to tarnish Nigeria’s image, raises serious questions about his judgment and motives. It’s clear that Atiku Abubakar is more interested in exploiting political situations for personal gain than in upholding the truth,” John stated.
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