SPV Saga: ‘I’m Nobody’s Toy’ – Achimugu Slams CCB Over ‘Invitation’

Michael Achimugu, a former aide to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has berated the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over an unofficial invitation sent to him.

In a tweet via his official Twitter handle on Friday, Achmugu said the Bureau should send him an official invitation before he would not visit its headquarters in Abuja.

Naija News recalls that the spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, had petitioned CCB to request the probe of Abubakar.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment had accused the former Vice President of diverting public funds through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) while he was in office.

In his petition, Keyamo alleged that Abubakar was involved in corrupt activities based on an audio recording released by Achimugu.

However, on Thursday, the CCB sent an invitation to Keyamo over a petition he filed requesting the probe of the PDP presidential candidate.

In its invitation to Keyamo, the Bureau asked the minister to bring Achimugu along when coming to its office.

Reacting, Achimugu said he will not honour an invitation that is not addressed to him, adding that he is not in Keyamo’s custody or his toy.

Achimugu added that if the CCB needs his presence and testimony in this matter, he expects to receive a letter of invitation addressed to him.

He, however, thanked the bureau for seizing the initiative to commence investigations into this case despite the elite status of the former vice president.

He said: “I am nobody’s toy to bring along. 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.”

Speaking further, Achimugu stated that his security must be guaranteed before he attends to any invitations.

He added: “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.”