Pro-Buhari group claims Atiku’s moves are a threat to nat’l security

The Buhari Media Organisation has described as a threat to National security the engagement of an American lobbyist by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to spread fake news ahead of the 2019 elections.

The group said Atiku had agreed a monthly payment of $90,000 to Mr Brian Ballar for that purpose.

The group said fake news making waves including the claims of terrorists’ attacks on the military, desertion by police personnel, allegations of corruption scandals in the military hierarchy and the resurfacing of a 2014 claim by soldiers of lack of weaponry were all the handiwork of the Vice-President.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju and the Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, BMO stated that Atiku and the PDP had displayed the highest level of desperation to cause confusion in the country.

The statement said, “Atiku Abubakar’s desperation knows no bounds; his recent move to sponsor narrative through fake news that paint Nigeria’s security personnel as weak and incapable of carrying out their duties is example of the PDP candidate’s desperation and lack of patriotism.

“It is shameful that a former vice president of Nigeria would procure the service of an American lobby firm to sponsor fake news aimed at attacking the morale and credibility of Nigeria’s armed forces.

“In addition to this is the hiring of foreign trolls to man their online handles in a way that is against national interest. The aim is to destroy national institutions, including the INEC and cause confusion after realising that they had lost the contest even before the votes are cast.

“This goes to emphasise the fact that Mr Abubakar does not have Nigeria’s interest at heart and must be kept far away from the seat of power. The PDP has nothing to sell to Nigerians. It has a candidate who is notorious for corruption allegations and is distrusted across the globe; aside being the candidate of a party responsible for the pillage of Nigeria’s treasury.”

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The group also denied claims by Atiku that the President had a case of trafficking illicit fund dated back 1984.

“It is a blatant lie that Atiku Abubakar, as head of Customs at the Lagos airport in 1984 stopped the ADC of the then Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, from smuggling in 53 suitcases of looted money.

“This is a matter that was settled back then. The suitcases were the personal belongings of the then Nigerian ambassador to Libya who was returning to the country after his tour of duty with his three wives and sixteen children.

“The late ambassador was coming into the country at the same time as the Emir of Gwandu whose son was General Buhari’s ADC and his suitcases were falsely presented to the public as those of the Emir.

“So from all indications, the suitcases which were cleared through Customs by soldiers had nothing to do with Buhari and there was nothing to suggest that illicit funds were being brought into the country.”

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