Atiku Can Question Mr President Without Reporting Nigeria to Washington

The opposition should investigate, challenge and expose those in power when necessary.

But taking Nigeria’s political battles to Donald Trump and the United States Congress is difficult to defend.

Atiku has spent decades asking Nigerians to trust him with the presidency.

He should therefore trust Nigerians and Nigerian institutions to examine the conduct of their leaders.

The 1993 civil forfeiture controversy is already widely known. If Atiku believes there is new evidence, he should present it clearly to the Nigerian public and the appropriate institutions.

Political accountability should not depend on whether a foreign government chooses to intervene.

At the same time, the Presidency should not hide behind the word “sovereignty” to avoid answering uncomfortable questions.

Nigeria’s sovereignty belongs to its people—not to the government of the day.

Mr President’s team should respond with facts rather than insults. Atiku should also explain precisely what he expects foreign authorities to do that Nigerian institutions cannot.

Both sides are turning a serious issue into another political fight.

Nigerians deserve better.

The opposition should hold the government accountable at home. The government should answer credible allegations transparently.

Nigeria should not need Washington to settle every argument Abuja refuses to resolve.