A coalition of civil society groups under the Public Accountability Watch (PAW), has dismissed claims that renowned socialite and entrepreneur, Aisha Achimugu, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as spurious and the handiwork of detractors.
The coalition in a statement Tuesday in Abuja dismissed the report by an online newspaper that Achimugu has fled the country and is on the verge of being declared wanted by the anti-graft commission as untrue and without basis.
According to the statement signed by Isa Pai and Ndubuisi Arinze, the businesswoman has no reason to flee a country she loves and has given so much to her, stating that she was out of the country to speak with investors over her oil business.
“Our attention has been drawn to a sensational news in an online newspaper alleging that versatile and renowned businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, is on the run from the EFCC. Nothing can be farther than the truth in this regard.
“From all available facts, it is curious that the court that granted the alleged arrest warrant was not cited, and it is surprising when the EFCC needs a court order to declare an individual wanted going by a litany of examples.
“Hajia Achimugu is not on the run and will never flee from a country that has given her so much, and she is very patriotic of. At present, she is out of the country to attract foreign investors for her oil business, a move that continues to rankle her traducers who are envious of her incredible success.
“The report by Premium Times which devoted barely two paragraphs to the alleged warrant of arrest and fleeing the country has other motives by focusing on her 50th birthday and those that attended, which is rather unfortunate and begs the question of who is after Aisha Achimugu.
“It needs to be stated that Aisha Achimugu is a private sector driven, accomplished businesswoman with interests in diverse areas and has never been in public administration and has the liberty to celebrate her birthday wherever she wishes. Today, we have public officials, elected and appointive, who lavish millions on birthdays, weddings, and other events even outside the country without being interrogated as to their celebrations.
It is concerning why Achimugu’s birthday last year continues to be of worry to some individuals. Should we ask if it is a targeted campaign against successful and achieving women? If it is, it must stop to dissuade other aspiring women from pursuing their goals and contributing to national development,” the statement reads.
