Focus On Issues, Seek Clarity On Reported Bank Transfer, Urhobo High Chief Urges Atiku

0

ABUJA — The Mayor of Urhoboland and Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC), His Worship Eshanekpe Israel Agimor, popularly known as Akpodoro, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to focus the emerging political debate on issues of governance, accountability and national development.

Akpodoro, who spoke with journalists in Abuja at the weekend, was reacting to reports concerning a bank transfer which the former Vice President was said to have described as unusual or unexplained.

He said that while allegations or concerns relating to financial transactions involving public figures should be taken seriously, they should be subjected to appropriate verification rather than becoming the subject of political speculation.

“If there is a transaction that appears unusual, the appropriate institutions should be allowed to establish the facts. Public debate is important, but it should be anchored on evidence and due process,” he said.

Akpodoro called on relevant regulatory and law-enforcement authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the reported transaction, if a formal complaint has been made, so that the facts can be established and unnecessary speculation avoided.

The Urhobo leader also urged political actors to broaden the national conversation ahead of the 2027 elections by engaging more substantially on the economy, infrastructure, security, employment and the welfare of Nigerians.

He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had introduced several major policy measures, including the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign-exchange reforms, tax reforms, infrastructure development and efforts to strengthen government revenues.

According to him, the administration’s economic reforms have involved significant adjustments with consequences for households and businesses, making it important for the government and political opposition alike to explain their positions to Nigerians with facts and credible alternatives.

Akpodoro also cited ongoing federal infrastructure projects, including major road and rail initiatives, as areas in which the administration is seeking to expand connectivity and stimulate economic activity.

He noted that the Federal Government had also continued to emphasise agricultural development, local refining, security-sector funding and greater financial autonomy for local governments.

“Whatever our political differences may be, Nigerians deserve a political conversation that is centred on verifiable facts, competing ideas and the practical solutions that can improve their lives,” he said.

Akpodoro said political competition ahead of 2027 should not be allowed to undermine constructive national discourse, adding that politicians across party lines had a responsibility to present their records and policy alternatives to the electorate.

“The ultimate decision belongs to the Nigerian people. What will matter is the quality of leadership, the credibility of the alternatives being presented and the ability of political actors to convince citizens that their programmes can deliver better outcomes,” he said.