Obasanjo vs Atiku: 20-Year Campaign of Lies Continues

• Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of waging a 20-year campaign of 'lies, political manipulation and orchestrated deceit' against him.
• Atiku's camp has challenged Obasanjo's latest claim, citing evidence from former member of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Bwari, and former Abia State governor Orji Uzor Kalu.
• The long-standing feud between Atiku and Obasanjo raises potential defamation claims for lawyers representing clients involved in similar disputes.

This time, he chose to make a man who passed away nearly three years ago the subject of his baseless allegation

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of waging a 20-year campaign of 'lies, political manipulation and orchestrated deceit' against him. This latest allegation by Obasanjo is just one in a long line of claims made by the former president against Atiku, with each new election cycle seemingly prompting a revival of these allegations. According to Atiku's Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, it has become a pattern for Obasanjo to revive allegations of betrayal and corruption against Atiku whenever an election is approaching.

Obasanjo's latest claim, made on July 23, accused Atiku of mobilizing the late Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na'Abba, to remove him from office during their tenure between 1999 and 2007. However, Atiku's camp has challenged this narrative, citing former member of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Bwari, who served as Chief Whip during that period. Bwari contradicted Obasanjo's account, stating that Na'Abba never sought Obasanjo's removal.

Furthermore, a video surfaced in which former Abia State governor and then Peoples Democratic Party governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, said it was Atiku who knelt before PDP governors to seek their support for Obasanjo's re-election. This account contradicts claims allegedly promoted by Obasanjo's camp that the former president had been forced to kneel before Atiku.

The long-standing feud between Atiku and Obasanjo has significant implications for lawyers representing clients involved in similar disputes. The exchange of allegations, particularly given their 20-year history, raises potential defamation claims. This is especially relevant considering the ongoing nature of the dispute.

In the context of the PTDF controversy, Atiku denied wrongdoing and presented himself for investigation, arguing that the funds in question remained in fixed deposit accounts. He also maintained at the time that the allegations were politically motivated and linked to his opposition to Obasanjo's bid for a third term in office. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's treatment of Globacom Chairman, Mike Adenuga, during this period is also relevant.

The case highlights the importance of understanding the legal implications of such high-profile disputes. Lawyers must be aware of potential defamation claims arising from the exchange of allegations, particularly given their long-standing nature.

The ongoing feud between Atiku and Obasanjo has far-reaching consequences for Nigerian politics. The 20-year campaign of 'lies, political manipulation and orchestrated deceit' accused by Atiku raises questions about the integrity of high-profile politicians.

Moreover, the implications of this dispute extend beyond the individuals involved. It highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in governance, particularly in the face of allegations of corruption and financial impropriety. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.

Lawyers representing clients involved in the ongoing feud between Atiku and Obasanjo should be aware of potential defamation claims arising from the exchange of allegations, particularly given the long-standing nature of the dispute.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]