Alleged bribery scandal: Gbajabiamila is saint compared to Atiku’s public record, says Arewa group

By Vivian Okejeme

The Arewa Youth Integrity Forum (AYIF) has defended the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, describing him as a man of integrity whose record stands in stark contrast to the long history of corruption controversies surrounding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, the youth forum criticized Atiku’s recent demands as “blatant hypocrisy” and “political desperation” ahead of the 2027 general elections, asserting that the former Vice President lacks the moral authority to accuse others.
The group’s response follows calls from Atiku’s media team demanding the suspension of Gbajabiamila and an independent investigation into allegations that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives requested a N400 million bribe.
“Gbajabiamila is a saint compared to the mountain of corruption cases that define Atiku Abubakar’s public life.
“While we support a thorough investigation into any allegation, Atiku lacks the moral standing to lecture anyone on integrity, ”Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, AYIF National President.
The youth forum highlighted several past controversies from Atiku’s tenure as Vice President (1999–2007) to counter his anti-corruption stance.
The group recalled a Senate investigation that recommended Atiku’s prosecution for allegedly diverting over $145 million from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to entities linked to him.
The statement pointed to past U.S. congressional reports detailing over $40 million in suspect funds—including alleged Siemens bribe payments—linked to accounts associated with Atiku and his wife.
AYIF cited the high-profile U.S. bribery scandal involving former Congressman William Jefferson, where Atiku was implicated in an alleged $100,000 bribe scheme regarding Nigerian contracts.
While acknowledging that public allegations deserve proper scrutiny, the AYIF argued that unproven claims should not be weaponized by opposition figures with far more damaging histories.
The forum praised Gbajabiamila’s track record in legislative reform and executive efficiency, stating that his public service has been defined by national dedication rather than self-enrichment.
The AYIF concluded by challenging Atiku to submit himself to the same level of accountability he demands from current administration officials, particularly regarding his past brushes with international investigators and anti-graft bodies.