A civil rights organisation under the auspices of Vanguards of Nigeria’s Democracy, on Saturday raised the alarm over alleged moves by President Muhammadu Buhari to “investigate, malign and imprison” ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on trumped-up charges.
The Presidency however dismissed that as mere speculations as nothing ‘concrete’ has been established against the former president.
VND, in a statement in Abuja through its spokesman, Mr. Osaghae Ogiemudia, accused Buhari and his All Progressives Congress-led administration of pursuing anti-Niger Delta tendencies.
Accordimg to them, this stance has demonstrated in several ways.
For them, the raging controversy between a former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole over Excess Crude Account is part of the ploy to raise trumped charges against former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The statement reads in part, “We the members of the Vanguards of Nigeria’s Democracy, are aware of some clandestine moves made by the APC-led government to probe, investigate, malign and imprison ex-President Jonathan. We are already aware of the trumped-up charges the APC government is levelling against a man who has diligently served the Nigerian state at the highest level of government.
“The APC led government should take notice that the appointments made so far are skewed in favour of the North, as no Ijaw man has been appointed. While an Ijaw President did not discriminate in appointment, President Buhari is implementing a Northern agenda thorough some of the appointments.”
The group further alleged that the fact that Buhari unilaterally cancelled the waterway surveillance and security contract awarded to the Delta-born Ijaw businessman, Mr. Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) is a clear indication of the the set agenda.
They also criticised the sacking of the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi and described it as “one of the principal appointments given to the Ijaws of Bayelsa State.”
The Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Mr. Femi Adesina, said the allegations lacked foundation as the group was dwelling on as mere speculation.
“All these are speculations and I cannot react to speculations because there is nothing concrete yet against the former President,” he said.
