Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar seems to have struck the wrong chord with Nigerians even as he embarks on a political campaign via social media. It is not entirely known what he is campaigning for, although some speculate he may be gunning for the top ticket of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2015 elections. Whatever the case may be, Atiku Abubakar is seeking relevance and publicity.
As part of this strategy, he was interviewed by several Nigerians in a tweet meet tagged #YNaijaMeetsAtiku.
During the chat, Atiku said he was not bothered by “rumours” that he had corruptly enriched himself. He attributed his success in the oil and gas industry to “hardwork and dedication”.
He tweeted, “We’ve been lucky to build the largest oil services company in Africa – active in Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique and now South Africa. That is how we have about 50,000 jobs on our books. Reports that I’m wanted in the USA for money laundering aren’t true.
“If it were true, I could have been arrested in UK, France, Switzerland, or Dubai, you know. I am not really bothered by rumours. If you research, you will find that the facts are there. I’ve attended interviews in the US Embassy recently.
“They could have arrested me there too. It’s US soil. USA has very good Freedom of Information. So you media people can go do your findings.”
Many young Nigerians were outraged by his statements. Some asked him to go beyond simply entering the US embassy and to actually go to the USA. Several associates of Atiku Abubakar have been convicted of corruption in North America.
Some commentators on the Punch had even stronger words for the former Vice President.
Afam said, “Evil man,when did he made the money? when he was custom officer? what was his salary and allowances? Atiku is 1000% corrupt just as El-Rufai stated..”
Another identified as Codes007 said, “You don’t build the largest oil services in three countries by sheer luck as you claim here only if you think corruption is your luck. This man no get shame or commonsense. How can US arrest you within their embassy? How will they take you out of the country to where you can be tried? This man sef na yeye. Chei, see the kind mumu when rule Nigeria.”
Another commentator, Obutu said, “Apc should not make mistake to adopt Atiku as their presidential candidate if they want to come close to pdp results, many Nigerians knows him and nobody trust Atiku.”
Ozaluoku remarked, “These are the people we look up as role models..intelligent pen robbers who derive joy in running their country aground..even the northern part couldne benefit from the theft..pm of Georgia was jailed for five yrs today for embezzling public funds on a four month reign..and a vp who reigned for 8yrs(a sizable time to loot to his satisfaction)They killed our investments during the privatization process..the loot is over bearable that he(atiku) couldn’t hide them any longer.”
Odinaka Onyema seethed, “Mr. Atiku, we all know as humans that any business that one can’t be open about is an unclean business. Most Nigerians believe that you(Atiku) have stolen from the masses to enrich yourself. And I have always looked forward to the day ‘celebrity’ thieves will be prosecuted in this country. On the other hand, I personally thought that APC will be an ‘Armor Personal Carrier’ against corruption unfortunately the hopes of most Nigerians faded away when we realized that it is the ‘Accomodation & Protection for Criminals’. I pray to God to keep me alive to see the day that Atiku and other fellow corrupt leaders will be prosecuted. Until then let me wait for the biggest comedy show of 2015. #Prayforticket now”
Leave a Reply