The Presidency has rebuked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for asserting that he is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission concerning financial transactions linked to the Lagos State Government.
On Thursday, Atiku claimed that the EFCC was investigating him in connection with financial activities involving Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
On Friday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described Atiku’s claims as unfounded and deceptive in a statement..
The Presidency rebuffed the allegations as a “desperate attempt” by Atiku to maintain political relevance through unsubstantiated accusations and social media gossip.
“These claims, circulated through his media office, are false and reflect a troubling pattern of relying on social media gossip over substance,” the statement read.
According to Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu does not have the time nor the inclination to engage in petty political distractions.
He noted that “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability.
“He has neither the time nor the inclination to engage in petty political distractions,” Onanuga stated.
Onanuga further alleged that the former Vice President had failed to adopt the role of a statesman following his electoral defeat, instead opting to fuel division with “unsubstantiated accusations and counterproductivecredibility
He also reaffirmed the autonomy of the EFCC, cautioning that any implication of external influence on the anti-graft agency was not only inaccurate but also detrimental to its credibility.
“The EFCC, as an independent institution, operates within its statutory mandate without external influence.
“Any insinuation otherwise is a disservice to the agency’s professionalism and the rule of law,” the statement noted.
Onanuga advised Atiku to redirect his energy toward making constructive contributions that foster unity, economic development, and democratic stability, emphasizing that these values are essential for Nigeria’s current needs.
According to him, Atiku’s allegations are juvenile and a clear ploy to shift focus from his political failures. His persistent attempts to drag the Presidency and now the Lagos State Government into trumped-up controversies demonstrate a frantic quest for attention amidst his dwindling effort to forge a coalition
“Lastly, the former Vice President should know that the EFCC, as an independent institution, operates within its statutory mandate without external influence. Any insinuation otherwise is a disservice to the agency’s professionalism and the rule of law”.
“The Presidency remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of national development—priorities that demand our undivided attention” Onanuga averred.
