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WHEN THE THIEF IS SHOUTING “THIEF”: THE CASE OF ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR

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2023: ATIKU AND THE AGE OF METHUSELAH POLITICS

PRESS RELEASE BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION:

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WHEN THE THIEF IS SHOUTING “THIEF”:

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THE CASE OF ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR

 

A few days ago, the Presidential Candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, called out President Muhammadu Buhari over certain allegations of “corrupt practices” which the President allegedly condones in his government. Whilst we have repeatedly addressed each and every of the instances cited by him to show the transparent nature of the government, it is shocking that the Presidential candidate of the main opposition has refused to issue a personal statement up till this minute clarifying in details his record of crass corruption and abuse of office. He is clearly taking Nigerians for a ride and hopes to distort the ethical revolution in public office that Nigerians clearly desire to his own philosophy of abusing public office to promote private interests. By his subliminal messages, he wants Nigerians to accept that becoming wealthy by abusing public office is not a bad thing after all.

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With the avalanche of fake and unsubstantiated news released in the last few days, it is now clear that PDP’s strategy in the run up to the elections is to spread fake news and make wild allegations without any proof against the President and the Vice President. This is clearly to divert attention from the record of crass corruption and abuse of office of their own candidate. Nigerians cannot and should not be insulted by the PDP after 16 years of looting of the nation, by now putting forward a man whose record of corruption they very much acknowledge, but would rather we all overlook it.

Some of the indisputable facts regarding Alhaji Atiku Abubakar are as follows:

1.   The U.S Congress in a report titled, KEEPING FOREIGN CORRUPTION OUT OF THE UNITED STATES: FOUR CASE HISTORIES, featured Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as one of the four notorious cases of money laundering in the world!

2.   The Congress report said “Jennifer Douglas Abubakar, a U.S. citizen, is the fourth wife of Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria and a former candidate for the Presidency of Nigeria…… from 2000 to 2008, Ms. Douglas helped her husband bring over $40 million in suspect funds into the United States, including at least $1.7 million in bribe payments from Siemens AG, a German corporation, and over $38 million from little known offshore corporations, primarily LetsGo Ltd. Inc., Guernsey Trust Company Nigeria Ltd., and Sima Holding Ltd”.

3.   Atiku’s co-conspirators, Williams Jefferson and Siemens in the bribery deal were convicted and Jefferson went to jail. By running for President of Nigeria, Atiku intends to get some immunity from prosecution. Already he is hoping to obtain a visa to visit the US, as a guest of the State department, a concession that the US will grant to a Presidential candidate of Africa’s biggest Nation.

4.   Both the BBC and Voice of America reported that “In a probe ordered by Mr. Obasanjo, (then Nigerian President) the vice-president was accused of diverting $125m from a public development trust fund into his personal businesses.”; Please see 1016 BBC, Profile: Atiku Abubakar, January 25, 2007, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/ 6292141.stm(Voice of America, “Nigerian Vice President Charged with Corruption,” October 10, 2006, http:// www1.voanews.com/english/news/a-).

 

5.   A Senate subcommittee investigating the PTDF indicted Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, having found that he abused his office by aiding and abetting the diversion of public funds in the sum of $145 million” as loans to his friends. This report was a subject of a full-blown investigation by the EFCC which actually recommended his prosecution in a court of law. That report is still pending and alive till today.

How do we as a Nation end up with anyone with this sordid record locally and internationally? We have heard the lame defence that the U.S Justice Department said it has no pending case against Atiku Abubakar. That is only a defence for the ignorant ones. In the United States, there are indictments the Justice Department can confirm to the world. But there is another category of indictments known as SEALED INDICTMENTS that the Justice Department cannot confirm to anyone. These indictments are sealed under the orders of a Judge. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has a sealed indictment waiting for him in the U.S. The day he visits the U.S, not as a candidate in an election, he will face charges.

There is no question that the reasons for Atiku’s frequent contests for the Presidency are to steal the resources of Nigeria for self-enrichment and to prevent prosecution for his crimes of laundering and receiving bribes. No amount of fake news or ridiculous false allegations against the President or Vice President that can wash away the well-documented history of theft.

We also challenge the PDP to publish a single line in the sub-committee recommendation of the House of Reps on the NEMA Emergency purchases where the report accused the Vice President of embezzlement of funds. They either do this within 24 hours or keep quiet forever. It is even noteworthy that the House of Representatives have not adopted any such recommendation to make it a report of the House.

We also challenge them to show any proof whatsoever of their allegations regarding the TraderMoni.

After three days of publicly announcing that they have hard proof that the President’s relations bought shares in Etisalat and Keystone Bank, the PDP has not produced a single piece of paper, a document of any sort to buttress the grave allegations it made. This is how shameless and callous the Atiku team has become, all in a desperate bid to get their hands on the public purse.

Lastly, we challenge Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for the umpteen time to produce his tax receipts for 2015, 2016 and 2017. It is shocking that a man who has not been paying his Personal Income Taxes now says he wants to “get Nigerians working again” – whatever that means. He is only deceiving himself and not the intelligent Nigerians that we know.

Thank you.

FESTUS KEYAMOSAN, FCIArb (UK)

Director, Strategic Communications,

President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation

(Official Spokesperson).

Sunday, December 30, 2018.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Wike’s Loyalist Nwanosike Leads Thugs To Disrupt PDP NEC Meeting

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Wike’s Loyalist Nwanosike Leads Thugs To Disrupt PDP NEC Meeting

 

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Samuel Nwanosike, the chairperson of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Thursday, reportedly led thugs to disrupt the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja.

Nwanosike, who is the chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, is a loyalist of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Among many other things, a potential sanction for Wike was expected to take the front burner at the party’s NEC meeting over allegations of anti-party activities.

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However, Nwanosike reportedly tried to force his way into the venue and came along with hoodlums. His intent, it was gathered, was to create chaos and halt resolutions by the NEC.

 

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APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup …recommends full investigation

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APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup ...recommends full investigation

APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup
…recommends full investigation

 

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A political interest group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the purported sacking of the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Umar Ganduje.

The group under the umbrella of APC National Vanguard described the sacking as a political coup orchestrated by desperate individuals outside the party who are envious, and felt threatened by Ganduje’s rising profile.

It said that the attempt to sack Ganduje as the National Chairman of the APC is a direct assault on the democratic principles and what the party stands for.

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The group said: “We understand that such calls and attempt to illegally sack the chairman can only be contemplated by anti-democratic forces and those who seek the fall of the APC party.

“It is most unfortunate that they are hiding behind the façade of being democrats when in reality they abhor the very tenets of democracy, which is why they are keen on using crude tactics to cause disarray, and unsettlement within our prestigious party.

“We warn those outside the APC party who desperately want to rejoin the party to do so in the most honorable and civilized manner. Resorting to devilish, demonic, and dubious means to achieve their goals is not only unacceptable but also undermines the principles of democracy and fair play.

“It Is a clear violation of our party’s constitution and an affront to the democratic principles upon which our great nation is built. We stand firmly behind Alhaji Ganduje and affirm our unwavering support for his leadership.

“His dedication, integrity, and commitment to the ideals of the APC have been instrumental in our party’s success and growth. His Excellency, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, has been an exemplary leader within the All Progressives Congress.

“Under his leadership, the party has made significant strides in advancing its agenda, promoting good governance, and delivering on its promises to the Nigerian people. His rising profile is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and commitment to the party’s ideals.”

The group called on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to call his dogs to order. It said: For those that have hired themselves out as mercenaries to threaten Nigeria’s democracy and causing strife within our noble party, you should be ready to face the sword of justice soonest.

“The governor needs to understand that oppression of the weak is the bane of Justice and Democracy in any country. We implore him to step down if he has nothing in his head other than witch-hunting, and playing divisive politics in Kano State.

“He should hand over government to a competent hands if he’s not ready to embrace following due process of justice, other than using rascality, impersonation, and manipulative tactics to fight opposition.

“We call on all members of the APC, at all levels, to rally together in support of Alhaji Umar Ganduje and to condemn this act of political sabotage.

“Our unity and solidarity are paramount in these challenging times. It is only by standing together, hand in hand, that we can overcome any attempts to divide and weaken us.

“In conclusion, we reiterate our condemnation of the purported sack of His Excellency, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, as the National Chairman of the APC. We expose the legal loophole in the alleged suspension, highlighting the fact that those who addressed the press conference are not card-carrying members of our party.

“Which in regards of this revelation makes the purported suspension null and void, and would have no any effect on the National Chairman.

“We further express our happiness at the good news that, the Ward and Local Government Executives having identified the persons involved in this unfortunate situation, have already prepared to charge them to court for impersonation and calculated attempt to embarrass and dent the image of the Party and that of the National Chairman.

“We also issue a stern warning to those outside the APC who seek to rejoin the party, urging them to do so in a manner that upholds honor, civility, and the democratic values we hold dear.”

 

APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup
...recommends full investigation

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We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda – Governor Fubara

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We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Housing Agenda - Governor Fubara ...As Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority,Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Rivers State.

We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda – Governor Fubara
…As Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority,Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Rivers State.

 

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The Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says Rivers State will fully support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).

 

 

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We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Housing Agenda - Governor Fubara
...As Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority,Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Rivers State.

He disclosed this on Wednesday, 10th April, 2024 when the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Federal Housing Authority, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo paid him a visit in continuation of the agency’s consultation with State Governors towards the Renewed Hope Agenda programme of President Tinubu.

Hon. Ojo, in his address to the governor, commended him for the great sense of focus he has displayed in governance within the short period he assumed office.

The FHA Chief Executive listed out the Governor’s infrastructural development, timely payment of pensioners, and enhanced security in the state, among other things, as the areas he has made instant marks in the state.

The MD informed Governor Fubara that the main reason for the visit was to bring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda message on Housing to Rivers State, which is all about providing affordable houses to Nigerians, pointed out that the state is the thirteenth he is visiting with his team in under one month.

Hon. Ojo reiterated Mr. President’s determination not only to tackle the nation’s housing deficit, but giving Nigerians affordable and livable houses. According to him, “We bring you Mr President’s mandate of Renewed Hope, which is affordable housing. Right now, in Nigeria, we lack adequate shelter, which is why the President has chosen us to help tackle the issue.”

The FHA boss pointed out the strategic importance of Rivers State with its peculiar terrain to the economic life of the country and noted the need for affordable houses in the state for the good of the citizens.

The MD therefore told His Excellency, Governor Fubara, that the Authority has come to ask for land from Rivers State for the purpose of delivering the Renewed Hope Housing project.

Hon. Ojo explained to the Governor the new developmental inclusiveness policy of the FHA, where the Authority consults with the State Governments for inputs in designs before any project is sited. He said that the Authority would does not wish to stay in Abuja and design what they like for the people of Rivers.

In his words, the MD told the governor, “One of the reasons why we are here today is to solicit for land. We do not want you to just give us land. We want, like I said, to sit with your management team to come up with the right designs that will be tailored towards what the Rivers people need”.

Hon. Ojo also informed the Governor of the Authority’s Diaspora City initiative, where a certain percentage of the land given for projects would be dedicated to building for our diasporians and other privileged Nigerians. This, he said, would benefit our people in diaspora, some of whom have fallen into the hands of fraudsters in their quest to have befitting accommodation back home.

FHA, the MD told Mr Governor, is in advanced discussion with the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission and the Federal Ministry of Tourism towards this. He noted that with the Authority’s digitization, the Diasporians would have seamless transaction with FHA from the comfort of their respective locations and also be able to monitor and track their investments.

Hon. Ojo also told Governor Fubara that FHA wants to capitalise on the value chain of construction to help fight inflation in the country. He noted that by the time these sporadic massive constructions would start across the country, numerous direct and indirect jobs would be created.

The Managing Director equally informed the Governor that most of the contracts would be given to contactors from Rivers State. This, he said, apart from helping boost the state’s economy, would create a sense of ownership of the project, and the people would also know those to hold accountable.

The MD also emphasized the apolitical stand of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this project. Mr. President, he noted, sees this as a critical Nigerian project devoid of political colouration. He noted further that the FHA team has visited 13 states that are APC, PDP, NNPP, and Labour Party controlled, pointing to the non-partisan nature of the Renewed Hope Agenda programme.

On the designs and models of delivery, Hon. Ojo told the governor that the Authority remains resolute in the decision to consider Nigerians in the lower rung of the economy by building Studio, One Bedroom apartments, and carcass. He maintained that expensive finishing would not be imposed on Nigerians. FHA would do a prototype exterior, plumbing, and electricals, while respective allottees would do the finishing according to their individual tastes and resources.

Finally, the MD informed His Excellency that the Authority has ready off – takers for the project and would also like the collaboration of the State in profiling off-takers . “We will make you proud. We will come back to sit with you once you give us land. We will call you for the ground breaking, and President Tinubu will surely be your guest”. The MD concluded.

The governor, in his response, thanked the FHA team for coming to the state to discuss such an important issue of nation building. He thanked the President for the Renewed Hope initiative and expressed great concern over the issue of housing challenges in the country. In the Governor’s words, “I am really happy this evening not minding the timing, to discuss such an important issue of nation building”.

Governor Fubara noted that the issue of housing is becoming more challenging in the country due to high cost of living, and as such, all levels of government need to come down to tackle. “In our country today, because of the high cost of living, housing has become an issue, the medium income earner can not even afford them. All levels of government need to come down to tackle it.” He opined.

The Governor noted that his government is thinking along the same line with Mr President. He said that they are thinking of making provision for all segments of the populace, including the civil servants, traders, taxi drivers etc. He said that “…receiving a delegation from FHA is cheering to us. I want to assure you that we will be part of this project.” He noted.

The Governor expressed happiness for the proactive and business oriented disposition of the Authority’s presentation, and reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to work with FHA. In his words, “your demands are very simple. We are dealing with a team that is very serious to develop. They want the contractors to come from us. They want to partner us for off- takers. I want to assure you that we will work with you.”

Governor Fubara was also pleased with the Authority’s proposal to sit with the state for input in designs. He said it shows the seriousness FHA’s Management, that has great interest in its end product meeting the desires of those it is building for.

Finally, the Governor said, “I assure you of all the support you would need. Our message to the President is that we will support the project to be a successful legacy of his administration. ” He concluded.

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