Group hits analyst over attack on Zainab Abiola

The International Front Against Corruption has criticised Ochanja Obayuana, a public affairs analyst, who attacked Zainab Abiola, counsel to Ibrahim Magu.

In a statement, Adewale Olatokunbo, coordinator of the group, wondered why Obayuana attacked the lawyer who represented suspended chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a presidential panel sitting.

In an interview with TheCable on Monday, Abiola had said the presidential panel set up to probe corruption allegations levelled against Magu had been unfair, considering the “military tactics” used during the sittings.

Responding to Abiola’s comment via an article, Obayuana said he expected better from her, considering her position as a professor of law.

Obayuana also questioned her claim as a widow of the late MKO Abiola, noting that it is “not supported by Wikipedia” on the details of the late chief’s wives.

But in the statement, Olatokunbo asked the public to disregard the remarks by Obayuana.

“The police are on Obayuana’s trail. We urge him to come out of hiding in the interest of justice. We are equally prepared to meet him in court,” the statement read.

Olatokunbo explained that the late MKO Abiola and Zainab got married under the 1837 matrimonial acts in England and Wales, and “as for educational qualifications, Abiola, a barrister and professor of international cooperation and conflict resolution, has several degrees, including law, political science diplomacy, anthropology and environmental negotiation.”

“She is the pioneer candidate of the presidency (PCP) for the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru,” he said.

He noted that the group has no apologies to make to any group or persons who wish to trample upon the rights of innocent citizens like Magu “who is presently suffering for serving his fatherland”.

“As a vanguard of democracy, globally respected human rights lawyer, international arbitrator and conflict resolution expert, Abiola will continue to defend the defenceless and the oppressed, the very causes for which her husband died,” Olatokunbo added.