A former aide to Atiku Abubakar, Michael Achimugu has reacted to the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB’s invitation to investigate the diversion of public funds allegation against Atiku.
Gatekeepers News reports that the CCB had earlier invited Festus Keyamo as it is set to commence an investigation over a petition he filed requesting the probe of Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The CCB in the invite, further directed Keyamo, to “come along with one Michael Achimugu.”
In reaction to this, Achimugu appreciated “the Bureau for seizing initiative to commence investigations into this case despite the elite status of the former vice-president.”
He further acknowledged “the tenacity and courage of Mr. Keyamo who has taken it upon himself to fight a battle that not many others would dare,” he added that he was “available to help with investigations.”
Achimugu, however, stated his issues with the letter, which has been circulated widely on social media.
He wrote, “I am not in Mr. Keyamo’s custody and, as such, he can’t be asked to “come along with…..” me. I am neither his employee nor his relative, and we have never lived together.
“The letter refers to me as “one Michael Achimugu.” I am an individual whose existence is verifiable, and given that I am the whistle-blower in this matter, I should not be addressed as “one Michael Achimugu.” I find it condescending.”
Achimugu added that “If the CCB needs my presence and testimony in this matter, I expect to receive a letter of invitation addressed to me, not the rather weird document circulating the internet.
“I am not one to allow people to decide what my self-worth should be. That decision is solely mine, and I have never abdicated it to anyone else. It will not start today with the Code of Conduct Bureau. I will not honour an invitation that is not mine. I am nobody’s toy to bring along.
“It is my hope that institutions will treat all citizens with the courtesy we all deserve. I have served as Media Consultant/Aide to more than one presidential candidate in this country, and I have excelled. I am a citizen of Nigeria and a leader of teams of young and old compatriots who have gone on to add value to society. I have received letters of recommendation for my work. I am Michael Achimugu, not “one Michael Achimugu.”
He wrote further, “I appreciate well-meaning Nigerians who have reached out to me and shown concern about the safety of my children and I. I also acknowledge those who have expressed angst over my revelations and chosen to stand with our oppressors. I am always the first to admit that not everybody will like all of one’s actions. That’s the beauty of the liberties and freedoms that humans enjoy.
“As a whistle-blower, my security must be guaranteed before I attend to any invitations. Since my revelations, my family and I have been threatened both here on Twitter and offline. Thugs have been to my abode, and some of my friends have been harassed. I am being tracked electronically, and I know that they are not tracking me to give me a hug.
“I will be glad to offer any assistance required by relevant agencies in ensuring that this case comes to an equitable and transparent conclusion and that the best interest of Nigerians, be it as individuals or the collective, be well-served.”
