The Arewa Youth Integrity Forum (AYIF) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his call for the resignation of Femi Gbajabiamila following bribery allegations against the presidential aide.
The group described Atiku’s demand as hypocritical, arguing that he lacks the moral authority to call for the removal of public officials over allegations while having faced corruption accusations during his years in public office.
AYIF was reacting to a statement issued by Atiku’s media team, which urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend Gbajabiamila pending an independent investigation into allegations that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives demanded a N400 million bribe.
In a statement signed by its National President, Mohammed Aliyu, the forum said every allegation of corruption should be investigated thoroughly and impartially but warned against using unproven claims for political advantage.
According to the group, Gbajabiamila is entitled to the presumption of innocence, adding that any allegations against him should be handled by the appropriate authorities rather than through public pressure.
AYIF also argued that Atiku’s political career has been surrounded by several corruption allegations, all of which he has consistently denied, making his criticism of others inconsistent.
The forum maintained that Gbajabiamila’s record in the National Assembly and his current role in the Presidency has been defined by legislative and administrative service, noting that no court has convicted him of corruption.
It further accused Atiku of selective outrage, claiming he has dismissed allegations against himself while demanding tougher action against political opponents.
AYIF referenced past public allegations linked to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), the William Jefferson bribery investigation and other corruption-related claims involving Atiku, stressing that the former Vice President has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
The group urged Nigerians to allow relevant institutions to investigate the allegations against Gbajabiamila without political interference or media trials.
AYIF also commended the Tinubu administration for remaining focused on governance despite what it described as sustained attacks from the opposition.
The forum reaffirmed its support for transparency and accountability, insisting that anti-corruption efforts should be guided by evidence, due process and the rule of law rather than political interests.
