Senator Bukola Saraki has denied reports that he collected money from Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke to fund President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign.
Saraki made the denial on Friday, April 17, 2015, in response to rumours that the minster had funded Buhari’s campaign through him.
The Senator’s comments were contained in a statement released by his media aide, Bamikole Omishore.
It reads:
“The attention of Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s media office has been drawn to an online article alleging that the controversial Minister of Petroleum. Ms Diezani Allison Madueke who has been engulfed in series of questionable transactions made contribution to the All Progressives Congress through Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki. “
“This office usually will ignore such reports as we find it completely laughable, baseless and lacking any iota of truth. However, for the avoidance of any doubt and to keep with the renewed mandate of accountability and transparency, we find it necessary to assure the teaming Supporters of APC and Senator Saraki that at no time did Senator Bukola Saraki meet, discuss or had any dealings in any form or nature with Ms Deiziani or her agents.”
“Senator Saraki hereby challenges either the Minister, her agent, associates or any other person that might have any evidence or information contrary to the above to share same with Nigerians.”
“The last time Senator Saraki met with Ms Deziani was in year 2012 when the Minister, her mother and her sister visited the Sarakis’ on a condolence visit over the death of Dr. Olusola Saraki, the father of Senator Saraki.”
“The alleged publication is total falsehood and completely mischievous therefore, this story cannot fly or sell, rather, the promoter should find something else to cling on as they remain with a drowning party.”
“The credit of the success of General Buhari, and our dear party APC across the country can only be claimed by Nigerians in every nook and cranny of the federation who sacrificed their resources, time and energy to bring about the change this country deserves and that should not be tainted by any individual or group of people who stood as stumbling block to every step taken towards achieving this noble and worthy struggle.”
Buhari won Nigeria’s March 28 presidential elections and will assume office on May 28.
