HEDA writes EFCC, CCB to investigate Atiku over embezzlement allegation

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A civil society organization, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), says it has called for a thorough investigation into the interests of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in a business allegedly used to embezzle governments funds.

HEDA said in a statement on Sunday that its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, had petitioned the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) asking for a full investigation into Atikus’ roles in the incorporation of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Marine Float Limited.

He specifically urged the CCB to diligently investigate the asset declarations submitted by Atiku and promptly release its investigative report to prevent the immunity of corrupt persons in the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The group said that Atiku, in an audio recording, confessed how he advised then President Olusegun Obasanjo to appoint three people – Oyewole Fasawe, Andy Uba and a politician from Borno State (now late today) as administrators or subscribers of the company he was then. try to set up.

The statement said the two-page petition sent by HEDA to both EFCC and CCB was titled, Petition Against Atiku Abubakar for Incorporation of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV); Marine Float Limited to misappropriate government funds.

“According to the Peoples Gazette report published on January 9, 2023, Atiku Abubakar incorporated three companies, Special-purpose Vehicle, to embezzle government funds through the award of contracts. One of the companies incorporated for this purpose is Marine Float, the statement said citing details of the petition.

Viral audio, reactions

A now-viral audio recording of the former vice president, released by one of his longtime close aides, Mike Achimugu, has Atiku confessing to accepting a bribe of more than 100 million naira under the form of a donation through the controversial company.

The audio recording sparked political backlash and comments from Nigerians on social media platforms.

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In its reaction, the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had urged Atiku to come clean with his confession about how he allegedly colluded with his former boss, the President Olusegun Obasanjo, to steal Nigerian treasury. , using the SPV after becoming Vice President in 1999.

Contacted by our reporter on Sunday for comment, a member of the Atiku/Okowa presidential campaign team, Daniel Bwala, declined to comment on the matter.

I can’t speak today. I work Monday to Saturday, Mr. Bwala said.

Call for probes

However, HEDA said the self-confession contained in the viral audio confirmed not only the rotten state of public offices in Nigeria, but also the commission’s attempts to investigate suspicions of corruption without uncovering ownership. Atiku’s workforce in these companies.

The group further called on the EFCC to diligently investigate the disclosure and reopen the reported investigation to establish Atiku’s beneficial interest in Marine Float and other Shell companies formed for corruption and embezzlement. of public funds.

We look forward to prompt action on this petition and the release of the investigation report to the public before the next general election.

Likewise, the group urged the CCB not only to investigate Atiku’s asset declarations, but also to investigate the use of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to promote corruption during his tenure.

The petition noted that the case is an indication that Nigeria has been besieged by the highest office and there is no statute of limitations in criminal matters.

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