- Safiu Kehinde
Former Nigeria Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has denied gifting a brand-new car to the naval officer, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, who challenged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, over land dispute.
Recall that Yerima’s face-off with Wike over the disputed land considered to be owned by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (Rtd), had attracted commendations from members of the public who lauded the officer for his courage and professionalism in warding off the FCT Minister from the land.
Amid claims of individuals and organisations honouring the naval officer, reports of Atiku gifting Yerima a brand-new Toyota Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) had on Thursday surfaced online.
Reacting to the reports, Atiku in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, debunked the claims.
The ex-Vice President’s spokesperson labelled the claims as fabricated false reports.
He urged members of the public to disregard the claims.
“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007), did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerima — or any other individual — a brand new Toyota SUV, contrary to the false reports currently circulating on social media. The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public.” The statement read.