Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has reignited his long-standing feud with former Legal professional-Normal of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, whereas additionally addressing criticism of his continued keep within the Individuals’s Democratic Occasion (PDP) and ongoing corruption fees.
Talking in an interview with DCL Hausa Saturday, Lamido recalled that Malami, throughout his tenure as Minister of Justice, initiated authorized proceedings towards him.
“When Abubakar Malami was Minister of Justice, he took me to courtroom and accused me of being a thief. However in the present day, it’s clear that what he owns, I don’t personal. Do I’ve a lodge in Birnin Kudu or homes in Abuja?” Lamido requested.
The previous governor additionally dismissed calls from critics urging him to go away the PDP, questioning what he described as selective scrutiny of political associations.
“Why is there concern as a result of I’ve not left the PDP? Many PDP members preserve relationships with politicians in different events, particularly the APC, and no person questions them,” he mentioned.
Citing examples, Lamido referenced the political actions of former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, and conferences involving President Bola Tinubu.
“If Shekarau visits Tinubu, it isn’t thought of information. Occasion leaders and governors are doing the identical. But, with regards to me, it turns into a difficulty,” he added.
Regardless of reaffirming his membership of the PDP, Lamido hinted at the opportunity of strategic alliances.
“I’m nonetheless within the PDP, but when I see one other occasion whose ideology aligns with mine, we are able to type an alliance and work collectively,” he said.
Addressing the long-running corruption allegations by the {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee (EFCC), Lamido expressed frustration with the case’s period. “It has been 10 years, and I’m nonetheless in courtroom. This began in the course of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan,” he mentioned. Lamido additional alleged that the case was politically motivated, claiming it was initiated to dam his presidential ambition on the time. “Jonathan began this allegation as a result of he heard I needed to contest. It was to cease me,” he alleged. On inner divisions inside the PDP, notably relating to the affect of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Lamido maintained that his place is guided by precept relatively than private curiosity. “There’s self-interest, and there’s reality. I stand for the reality. The query is: the place does the PDP stand legally and within the eyes of the electoral physique? That’s the place I stand, as a PDP member,” he mentioned.
Chuks Okocha
Times Nigeria