Kassim Afegbua, former commissioner for information in Edo state, says former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar should respond to the US’ allegations of corruption against him.
Atiku’s row with the US authorities began after the FBI investigated a bribery scandal involving William Jefferson, former US congressman, in 2004.He was accused of demanding a bribe of $500,000 to facilitate the award of contracts to two American telecommunication firms in Nigeria.
Afegbua recalled how the US Congress indicted the PDP Presidential aspirant for money laundering alongside his ex-wife Jennifer.
According to Afegbua: “The entire report of the US Congress copiously indicted Abubakar on issues concerning money laundering. It will make judicious sense if the United States Government is able to treat this pending matter once and for all by way of extraditing the former Vice President to answer those lingering queries on financial impropriety.
“The United States Congress report on the investigation is too damning to be ignored. If we truly want to sustain the ethics of transparent leadership and positive governance. I am, therefore, calling on the US Government to commence the process of inviting Atiku to the United States to face those charges without further delay. I am aware of the threats to my life over my strong position against the aspiration of Abubakar and other northern aspirants who are running against the run of play.
“I am, therefore, using this opportunity to plead that the United States Government takes expedite action on this matter in the interest of the rule of law, justice and transparency.
“The earlier Abubakar is made to face the full wrath of the law, the better for our anti-corruption crusade and the best for our fledgling democracy.”
