Michael Achimugu, the whistleblower and alleged former aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has declined his invitation by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
The Court also ordered that he produce Achimugu, on whose allegation Keyamo had based the petition to the CCB and called for investigation and prosecution of the former Vice President.
Achimugu had accused Atiku of diverting key government funds into a special purpose vehicle (SPV), in an audio tape he allegedly released to the public.
Sequel to the allegation, Keyamo had written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the CCB calling for the arrest and prosecution of Atiku.
While Keyamo has been invited to produce Achimugu in the Abuja office of the Bureau on “Friday, 21st April, at 1400 hrs prompt” to avail it with information to aid further investigation into the allegation against Atiku, a purported statement issued by Achimugu faulted the CCB invitation.
Citing security concerns, the Whistleblower urged the CCB to personally invite him and as well, provide needed security.
The statement read: “My attention was drawn online yesterday to a letter of invitation from the Code of Conduct Bureau @CCBNigeria, addressed to Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, asking him to come along with “one Michael Achimugu”.
“I must appreciate the Bureau for seizing initiative to commence investigations into this case despite the elite status of the former Vice President. The CCB is one of the agencies in Nigeria with an admirable history of trying to do their job as meticulously as possible, and countless great names have honoured their invitations over the years.
“I must acknowledge, with gratitude, the tenacity and courage of Mr. Keyamo, who has taken it upon himself to fight a battle that not many others would dare.
“I am always available to help with investigations.
“But, I must state my issues with the letter, which has been circulated widely on social media.”
Faulting the letter, Achimugu said, “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.
“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.”
“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.”