Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the Federal Government should investigate and prosecute him if it can produce evidence linking him to the alleged $16bn power expenditure during the Obasanjo administration
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged the Federal Government to investigate and prosecute him if it has evidence linking him to the alleged $16 billion expenditure on power projects during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Atiku issued the challenge while responding to renewed allegations surrounding the controversial expenditure, insisting that the government should present concrete evidence rather than rely on political propaganda.
The former Vice President said he was prepared to face any investigation if there was credible evidence of wrongdoing against him.
He challenged the Federal Government to investigate him, produce the evidence and prosecute him if it had a case, stressing that allegations without evidence should not replace due process.
Atiku explained that although he served as Vice President and chaired the National Council on Privatisation during the Obasanjo administration, he did not oversee the implementation of the power projects linked to the alleged expenditure.
He also stated that the National Assembly had previously investigated the projects but did not invite him to respond to any allegation of wrongdoing.
According to Atiku, successive administrations have had almost two decades to investigate and prosecute him if there was sufficient evidence that he misappropriated public funds.
He further linked the renewed controversy to broader concerns about accountability and the management of public resources under the current administration, particularly funds generated following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Atiku maintained that if the government has evidence against him, it should make such evidence public and take appropriate legal action rather than use old allegations as a political distraction.
The controversy over the alleged $16 billion power expenditure has persisted for years, with different claims and figures emerging over funds reportedly committed to power projects during the Obasanjo administration.
Atiku’s latest challenge has consequently renewed public attention on the long-running controversy and the demand for greater transparency over Nigeria’s power-sector spending.
Read also Atiku Challenges FG to Probe Him Over Alleged $16bn Power Spending
