A former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Jibrin Abdulmumin has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to “give up his presidency” if he cannot resist blackmail.
Abdulmumin said Buhari is acting as if he has to beg some “political overlords” before he would be allowed to do his job.
In series of tweets monday, the lawmaker said the president cannot be effective while in hostage. He alleged that Buhari was playing into the hands of those who do not mean well for him and his government.
The tweets read: “A President must repel blackmail with all his arsenals or give up the presidency. You cannot be an effective president while in hostage!”
“Mr. President, you are playing into the hands of people who do not believe in you and your govt. You will come back to these tweets in 18 months.
“ Such political stability and harmony that compels you to turn away your face where you shouldn’t is useless to our country!
“So why is the president appearing weak…as if he has to beg some political overlords to do his work in the name of political stability?
“Mr. President, all your life, you conducted yourself in such a way and manner that immunes you from blackmail which solidified your strength.
“However, high stakes are or necessity of the usual exaggerated political expediency a president must refuse to be boxed or blackmail.”
It was not clear whom Jibrin was referring to, but observers said coming on the day the Speaker of the House, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, turned 49 years old, Jibrin might have become frustrated in his bid to have Dogara prosecuted.
Buhari, had in a birthday message to Dogara, praised the Speaker, saying that he (Dogara) inspired his trust in the youths of the country to deliver Nigeria out of challenges.
Jibrin had been suspended by the House in September after lawmakers dismissed his N40bn budget padding allegations against Dogara and three other principal officers.
The three others are the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Yussuff Lasun ; the Chief Whip, Mr. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa; and the Minority Leader, Mr. Leo Ogor.
Jibrin had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, the Police and the Department of State Services, seeking the prosecution of Dogara and other principal officers.
None of the agencies has acted so far by inviting any of the officers for questioning.
Jibrin later left the country for the UK on the excuse that his security was no longer guaranteed in Nigeria.
