Arewa youth defends Gbajabiamila, faults Atiku’s criticism

The Arewa Youth Integrity Forum has defended the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, while criticising former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his call for the presidential aide’s suspension and investigation.

The forum, led by its National President, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, said Atiku lacked the moral standing to criticise Gbajabiamila, insisting that allegations against any public official should be investigated through due process rather than exploited for political purposes.

The group was reacting to Atiku’s demand, through his media team, for Gbajabiamila’s suspension and an independent probe into allegations that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives demanded N400m in bribes.

In a statement, AYIF described Atiku’s position as politically motivated and maintained that Gbajabiamila’s years in public office had been marked by commitment to legislative reforms and effective service in government.

“Gbajabiamila is a saint compared to the mountain of corruption cases that define Atiku Abubakar’s public life. While we support thorough investigation into any allegation, Atiku lacks the moral standing to lecture anyone on integrity,” Aliyu said.

He added, “His call is nothing but political mischief aimed at distracting Nigerians from his own tainted history. The Arewa Youth Integrity Forum will not sit idly by while a serial controversy magnet pretends to be a crusader.”

The forum argued that allegations against serving public officials should be subjected to proper investigation and not used as political weapons by opposition figures.

It also referred to past allegations and controversies involving Atiku during and after his tenure as Vice President between 1999 and 2007, including claims relating to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, international investigations and other matters that have been reported over the years.

The group urged the former Vice President to respond to questions surrounding those allegations instead of focusing on attacks against other public office holders.

“Atiku was banned from entering the United States for years due to corruption concerns. Reports detailed how over $40m in suspect funds, including bribe payments from Siemens, were allegedly moved through accounts linked to him and his wife,” Aliyu claimed.

He further said, “How does a man with such baggage have the audacity to call for the suspension of a serving official? This is the height of hypocrisy.

“Nigerians remember the William Jefferson bribery scandal where Atiku was implicated as the target of a $100,000 bribe attempt to influence Nigerian contracts.”

AYIF also referenced audio recordings released by a former aide alleging the use of Special Purpose Vehicles to divert public funds, saying such claims further underscored the need for equal scrutiny of all public figures.

The forum, however, stressed that all allegations against any public official should be investigated in line with the law.

It commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for remaining focused on governance and reforms despite criticism from the opposition.

The group described Gbajabiamila as a public servant who had served with distinction in both the legislative and executive arms of government.

“Atiku’s public record is littered with allegations of abuse of office, embezzlement and conflict of interest. From NICOTES/INTELS business dealings while in customs service to the litany of Senate indictments, his history speaks volumes,” Aliyu said.

“Gbajabiamila has served with distinction in the National Assembly and now in the executive. Comparing him to Atiku is like comparing light to darkness.

“The former VP should retire from this endless cycle of scandals and allow credible leaders to move Nigeria forward.”

The forum reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance and accountability, urging all public officials to submit themselves to the same level of scrutiny without fear or favour.