‘Do Not Protect the Truth From Nigerians’ — Atiku Demands Tinubu Records From FBI

Atiku Abubakar has called on the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to release records concerning its investigations relating to President Bola Tinubu, arguing that concerns about potential danger to individuals should not be used to shield information that can legally be disclosed.

The ADC presidential candidate made the demand in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

The statement followed an FBI motion asking a US district court in Columbia for permission to submit ex parte, in camera declarations explaining why some records relating to allegations of drug trafficking against Tinubu had been withheld.

In its August 20 application, the FBI said it could not publicly disclose every reason for withholding the records and therefore sought to provide additional explanations privately to the court.

Atiku challenged that position, saying Nigerians were already suffering serious consequences from the country’s economic situation.

“The FBI says disclosure could endanger lives. Which lives? Nigerians are already dying,” he said.

Atiku Blames Economic Hardship on Fuel Subsidy Removal

The former vice president argued that the removal of fuel subsidy had created a chain of economic difficulties, affecting transportation, food prices, production, employment and household finances.

“Fuel affects transportation. Transportation affects food prices. Energy affects production. Production affects jobs. All of them determine whether an ordinary Nigerian family can survive until the end of the month,” Atiku said.

He again promised to reverse the subsidy removal if elected president, saying his alternative would be designed to ensure accountability and prevent abuse.

Atiku: Protect Agents, Not Information Nigerians Can Access

Atiku stressed that he was not asking the FBI to expose sensitive investigative information.

“Protect your agents. Protect your sources. Protect legitimate investigative methods. Redact whatever American law genuinely requires you to redact,” he said.

However, he warned against using such protections to withhold information that could legally be released.

“But do not stretch those protections until they become a bulletproof vest for Tinubu,” Atiku said.

He maintained that his request was not intended to involve the United States in Nigeria’s domestic politics but was instead based on what he described as Nigerians’ right to access information about those who wield political power.

“Our demand of American law enforcement is not a call to interfere in Nigeria’s politics. It is a humanitarian and democratic appeal rooted in the principle that people have a right to information legitimately available about those who exercise enormous power over their lives.

“Protect your investigators. Protect your sources. Protect your methods. But do not protect the truth from Nigerians. Our people are already paying for bad governance with their lives,” he said.

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