By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has asserted that no Nigerian president has taken Atiku to court since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, describing the former vice president as a politician who has consistently relied on constitutional and judicial processes to resolve political disputes.
Shaibu made the statement while reacting to recent criticisms from the Presidency over Atiku’s engagement of a United States lobbying firm to circulate documents relating to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decades-old U.S. civil forfeiture case. He argued that instead of responding with personal attacks, the government should address the issues raised through lawful and transparent means.
According to him, Atiku has contested several presidential elections and challenged electoral outcomes through the courts where necessary, yet no sitting president has instituted personal legal action against him since 1999.
He maintained that disagreements in a democracy should be settled through constitutional institutions rather than political intimidation.
Shaibu urged the Federal Government to focus on tackling Nigeria’s economic hardship, insecurity and governance challenges, insisting that public attention should remain on policies that improve citizens’ welfare rather than prolonged political exchanges.
He added that accountability and transparency remain fundamental principles of democratic governance.
Leave a Reply