Lawmaker, Hon. Donald Ojogo, representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in Ondo State, has taken a swipe at former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, accusing him of hypocrisy for criticising the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
Malami, speaking at a meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (North) in Abuja on Sunday, faulted the APC for focusing on politics instead of addressing the country’s deepening challenges.
The event was attended by prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi.
“Just a few days ago, the ruling party held its national summit and, instead of tackling pressing issues like insecurity, economic hardship, and rising poverty, it chose to focus on politics by endorsing President Tinubu for re-election, even though the election is still two years away,” Malami said, according to THISDAY.
But Ojogo, who represents Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in Ondo State, dismissed the remarks in a statement released Monday, May 26.
He described Malami’s comments as “laughably hypocritical” and accused the former AGF of trying to rewrite history.
“As a federal lawmaker, I speak not on behalf of the Presidency nor as a party spokesperson, but I cannot ignore Malami’s audacious mischief, especially considering his controversial role during the Buhari administration,” Ojogo stated.
He continued, “Malami’s comments are laughably hypocritical. If he assumes Nigerians have forgotten his actions as AGF, he underestimates our memory. His tenure was riddled with contradictions to the very principles he now pretends to defend.”
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Drawing from his time as Commissioner for Information in Ondo State, Ojogo recalled Malami’s opposition to security efforts in the South-West during the administration of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
“Malami, who now postures as a people’s advocate, actively frustrated moves by the Southern Governors Forum to curb insecurity.
“When our region faced existential security threats, Malami stood against every initiative proposed, including the creation of the Amotekun Corps,” he alleged.
Ojogo credited Akeredolu and other Southern governors with pressing on despite Malami’s resistance.
“It is a matter of public record that Malami sought to abort the establishment of the Amotekun Corps, a visionary security initiative formed to protect lives and property in the South-West. He wielded his office to suppress genuine efforts at decentralised policing,” he said.
He further accused Malami of standing in the way of state policing and described his position on federalism as narrow and damaging.
“He was a potent weapon against progress on security matters when Nigeria needed leadership and vision the most,” Ojogo added.
The lawmaker ended his statement by questioning Malami’s motives, saying his latest stance was nothing more than “a desperate attempt to rewrite a tainted legacy.”