A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George has stated that he would cease to be a Nigerian if former Governor of Lagos State and one of the national leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, becomes the president of the country.
According to George, who is also a former military Governor of Ondo State, attempts to make Tinubu President will further de-civilise the Nigerian masses.
Although Tinubu is yet to publicly announce his interest in running for the presidential seat, speculations have been flying around about his ambition as many of his supporters had already kick-started presidential campaign on his behalf ahead of 2023.
Speaking during an interview session with Arise TV on Friday, the PDP Chieftain urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to hasten up on the investigation of Tinubu on his alleged involvement with Alpha Beta Consulting, a tax firm.
The New Diplomat had reported that Tinubu has been on the EFCC’s radar over allegations of running the Alpha Beta Consulting, a company that collects taxes on behalf of Lagos government. A former managing director of the Alpha Beta Consulting, Mr Dapo Apara has since filed a petition against Tinubu.
According to the petition, Tinubu allegedly enriched himself by using the tax consultancy firm to divert Lagos funds and commit tax evasion up to the tune of N100bn.
Similarly, the former governor is also being investigated by the EFCC over allegations that he transported cash-laden bullion vans to his Lagos home on the eve of the 2019 presidential election.
Reacting to Tinubu’s purported presidential ambition, the PDP Chieftain, George stated that it will be an insult to any responsible and patriotic Nigerians should Tinubu become the president. According to him, someone who has various corruption claims against him cannot run the country.
In his words, “I’ve talked about it and I’m still saying publicly that the EFCC should go urgently and investigate Alpha Beta Company owned by him.
“Let me say it in very clear language, to me it’s an insult to de-civilise the people of this country who are committed to national development that the likes of him want to run this country.
“We must make sure that they investigate him. He’s junketing all over the place—an insult to the civilised minds who work so hard in this country. If, by whatever yardstick, he becomes the head of state, I will cease to be a Nigerian and I’m not joking.”