Former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma has defended his decision to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over corruption allegations involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Agbonayinma said he submitted the petition in his capacity as a concerned Nigerian seeking greater accountability and transparency in public affairs.
The former lawmaker also criticised former Senator Dino Melaye for opposing the petition against Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement made available to journalists in Benin City, Agbonayinma challenged Melaye to produce any official EFCC decision or court record showing that Atiku had been cleared of the allegations contained in the petition.
According to him, public attention should remain focused on the substance of the allegations rather than his personality, political affiliation or motives for submitting the petition.
“Rather than attacking my person, character and integrity, why not address the substance of the petition?” Agbonayinma asked.
He urged Melaye to allow the EFCC to carry out its statutory responsibilities without interference, stressing that the petition should be addressed based on the facts and evidence presented.
“You cannot defend Atiku Abubakar from an EFCC petition by attacking me,” he said.
Agbonayinma further argued that if Atiku had nothing to fear from the allegations, he should be allowed to respond to any questions that may arise if the EFCC decides to investigate the matter.
“If you have evidence against me, bring it forward. If you have facts concerning the petition, present them,” the former lawmaker stated.
He added: “Defend the facts, not personalities.”
The development comes amid continued political debate over allegations involving prominent political figures and the role of anti-corruption agencies in investigating petitions brought before them.