Ednut
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Advocate # 20
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Wednesday, October 11, 2006 / Ramadan 19, 1427 A.H NEWS
Obasanjo, Atiku aides in secret talks
By Emmanuel Bello
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Top aides of President Obasanjo and his embattled deputy, Atiku Abubakar, were in meetings Monday night to find ways to resolve the conflict between the duo.
The meeting, Daily Trust learnt, ended in deadlock with the Atiku group insisting that they will continue with their quest to clear his name. Aides loyal to the president reportedly sought ways to prevent further revelations on the vexed PTDF deals. Another meeting is scheduled for tonight.
Daily Trust spoke to sources on both sides of the divide and confirmed the meeting took place.
A source in the Obasanjo camp said the president is not in favour of the meeting but was persuaded by aides.
Obasanjo’s aides are said to be worried about the scheduled appearance of both the President and Atiku at the senate’s hearing. They hope to reach an amicable resolution of the controversy surrounding the PTDF accounts with the hope to avoid a showdown.
The meeting, according to sources, was at the behest of the Obasanjo group comprising Minister of information, Frank Nweke jr. and the FCT Minister, Nasir el- Rufai.
Also in attendance on the president’s side was Minister of Justice, Bayo Ojo, and Special Adviser to the President on Public Affairs, Uba Sani.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, was scheduled to be in attendance but failed to appear. He will however be in the Wednesday meeting.
Uba Sani however, told Daily Trust, yesterday that there was no such meeting. He said: “I should know if there is such a meeting but I can assure you that there was no such meeting.”
On the side of Atiku, former Minister of Special Duties, Yomi Edu, attended, along with Reps. Member, Usman Bugaje.
A source said the Atiku group attended the meeting more out of “curiosity, than a willingness to accept a truce.”
The groups could not agree on a solution and hoped that another meeting scheduled for tonight might lead to one.
Since the revelation of the withdrawals from the PTDF account to private banks, both the president and his deputy have been caught in a crisis of credibility. Each side has produced evidence to show the level of culpability.
Although the EFCC report which indicted Atiku was sent to the National Assembly for their perusal, the Senate has since set up a probe panel on the matter.
The president and his deputy are billed to answer questions before the panel, an event which many believe is the precursor of a possible impeachment of both political office holders.
Already, the president is said to be considering boycotting the appearance, even as the Vice President’s advisers are working to find ways to provide adequate proof of their position.
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TRUST IS A BURDEN
Obasanjo, Atiku aides in secret talks
By Emmanuel Bello
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