Atiku's reputational metrics supercede false corruption allegations, innuendo and beer parlour conversations of corruption stigmatisation.
As Area Administrator of Customs @Murtala Muhammed Airport Ikeja, Atiku impounded the infamous 54 cash-filled suitcases from Saudi Arabia, meant for a powerful royal close to the then Military government of Buhari/Idiagbon (1983-85).
That incident of early nearly caused Atiku his public service career. Infact, he was denied promotions for many years. A corrupt officer would have yielded ground to pressure. Rather than resist the Khaki Boys!
The creation of EFCC and ICPC, both anti-corruption agencies, was also midwifed by the Obasanjo/Atiku Presidency. The imperfect can never create perfection.
Atiku later waved his official immunity and was investigated without any indictment by the FG, right under Obasanjo's eyes!
Infact Atiku, as a Defender of Democracy, fought against the Third Term Agenda of OBJ. That resistance to term elongation has been the root cause of the denigrating remarks against Atiku. Truth be told.
The former Vice President even wom 14 Landmark Constitutional Cases against OBJ's government. Prime there was the Joint Ticket suit that made it impossible for a President or Governor to wilfully sack their Vice or Deputy.
Let's give Atiku his flowers. The man has challenged anyone who has proof of corruption against him to go to court. Nobody has done so in the last 10 years.
Social media vilifications and unsubstantiated rumour mongering can never amount to court conviction.
Let's be guided to add positive value to the body of intellectual discourse and human knowledge.
Hunger, empty pockets, insecurity, high cost of living, inequitable wealth distribution, fuel and energy hike, socio-economic strangulation, hyperinflation and frustration - all will lead and determine the January 16 presidential poll.
Not hearsay or belly-first tirades or caustic assertions by untutored cyber warriors.
Nigerians are much wiser. They will vote and ensure that their votes are legitimately counted by INEC.
Let's all vote conscientiously in a free and fair elections.
Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians. Not a few bullies!
- Akinrogun Alaba Yusuf mnipr
