Corrupt Enrichment: Angry Nigerians attack Atiku on social media

Atiku

Embattled former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday denied corruption allegations preferred against him as the Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.

Atiku, who is always receiving criticisms whenever heated debates on corrupt practices in the country open online, took to his blog, atiku.org, to dismiss the claim.

According to him, his reaction is to explain to his online critics the way the “PTDF was designed to work, and what happened during my time in office.”

The Turaki Adamawa, while trying to absolve himself of financial recklessness and embezzlement, admitted approving the placement of the then controversial “$145m in commercial banks” but quickly added that his actions followed “due process.”

He explained in the blog post, which he shared on his Twitter and Facebook pages that his intention at the time was to utilise the interests, which accrue on the investment for PTDF projects and not for his personal use.

Atiku alleged that when there were growing accusations that he had used the money to promote his personal interests, he returned the money into the coffers of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He said the Federal Executive Council led by former President Olusegun Obsasanjo manipulated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which he accused of trying him without “any response/evidence.”

He thereafter relied on a ruling of a Lagos High Court to back up his claim that he did not receive fair hearing while the PTDF saga lasted.

He added, “When I was accused of PTDF mismanagement (i.e putting it in private banks to accrue interest), the funds and accrued interests were returned to CBN intact. Not a penny was lost from that money.

“I have since forgiven the people who accused me, including my own friends who have since come to ask for forgiveness.”

However, an outrage has followed the former Vice-President’s attempt to absolve himself of the allegations. While taking his defence with a pinch of salt, many asked the Turakin Adamawa to keep his explanations to himself.

One of his Facebook fans, Anto Jacob, who threw the first salvo at Atiku, said the former VP failed to convince him with his blog post beyond reasonable doubt.

He dared Atiku to prove his critics wrong by paying a visit to the United States as soon as possible. “No amount of explanation can convince us until you start going to the US. We know you more than you could imagine,” Jacob stated.

Also, a Lagos-based entrepreneur, Tam Oge, on Twitter, accused Atiku of building his business interests which he had been making reference to online of late with proceeds of corruption. “Sir, may I humbly ask how you came about the money you used in establishing businesses that have employed the over 50,000 youths you claimed,” he added.

Countering Atiku’s claim that he had secured a ruling from a Lagos High Court, another Twitter follower said the former VP’s story was not convincing enough.

He said, “Court judgment in Nigeria on high profile cases of financial misappropriation/corruption have been rubbished in time past. How is yours different. A very good case in hand is that of Chief James Ibori who was set free by the same Judiciary in Nigeria but found guilty in the United Kingdom.”

 Victor Okon-Esin described Atiku’s explanations as a “long fake story.”

 Similarly, Kenneth Odoemene argued on Facebook that Atiku’s “PTDF story has no facts and figures on the questions”  that Nigerians have been asking him on the corruption allegations against him.

An obviously enraged Twitter follower of Atiku, Chima Nnadi, said the former VP was trying to use his blog post to deceive Nigerians.

“Atiku, I have just one word for you: you should be locked up and never come out again. You think Nigerians are fools. You should be ashamed of yourself,” he tweeted at him.

For Alloy Chiekezie, a visitor on lindaikeji.blogspot.com, Atiku’s response did not come as a surprise to him.

 “One thing with politicians is that they are birds of a feather, and they will never admit to corruption or any allegations levied at them even if it is true, I have learned never to believe Nigerian politicians and never to trust them. They are all liars, including Atiku.” Chiekezie noted.

On this same blog, Kunle Akala also raised doubts that he is “clean of all charges.” He however commended him for making good use of the new media to his own advantage.

 “I won’t come here to say Atiku is clean of all charges but he is intelligent enough to state his own side very clear. It is also laudable that Atiku is on Twitter building relationships with the youth thereby understanding issues that are affecting them and the nation at large,” Akala said.

Punch