By Ayodele Oni
When the news broke that one of President Muhammadu’s sons-in-law has been declared wanted by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, over a multi-million Dollar fraud, it was shocking to some people. And, to others it sounded unbelievable.
How could President Buhari have allowed this stain on his family?, many asked. What will he tell his daughter?, others asked.
But, generally, it was seen as a plus, a red flag to Nigerians. If the President allowed this scandal on his family, it means he is serious, afterall, in his fight against corruption. Yet, others said this son-in-law must have fallen out of favour and, given the very low public opinion of the President’s administration, the declaration of his son-in-law was not only meant to divert attention, but meant to shore up his image.
The guy was identified as Gimba Yau Kumo, a former boss of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. Said to be married to Fatima, the second of the President’s beautiful daughters, he was declared wanted alongside two of his former colleagues.
While it is true, as proved by photographs that Fatima was married to Yau, that’s stale news. The relationship has since broken down, irretrievably. The two are no longer married to each other. And Yau, is at best, an estranged son-in-law to the President, and can only be referred to, in reference to Fatima, as an Ex.
This much was confirmed by the Presidency when it reacted to the report that Yau Kumo is a son in law to President Buhari.
While acknowledging a broken relationship between the Buharis and Yau, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said in a statement that it was unfortunate that the President’s name was being linked to the matter.
He, distanced President Buhari from Yau, and said his relationship with the Buhari family had since ended. Meaning: Fatima has since been divorced from Yau.
According to Garba, there is “A running story to the effect that the ICPC has declared “an inlaw of the President” wanted in connection with fraud involving the large sum of money , USD65 million to be exact.
“This should normally be an affirmation that our anti-corruption agencies/institutions are truly independent and allowed unfettered freedom by the President. Which infact is the case.
“That a state institution can issue such is a measure of the administration’s commitment to accountability, equality and justice.
“To set the records straight, the person declared wanted by the ICPC is not an inlaw to President Buhari.
“While, at some point in time, the said fugitive from justice had been linked to a family member in marriage, that relationship has ended some years ago.
“It is, therefore, unfortunate to bring the President’s family into this case. It is in our view an attempt to generate views and sell copies of sensational reporting.
“The President’s position, at all times, is that the law be allowed to take its course. As is well known of him, President Muhammadu Buhari will not provide any cover for crime, no matter who is involved.”
