Date Published: 09/24/10

Jonathan to campaign on probity

THE President Goodluck Jonathan camp Friday described as 'cheap blackmail', claims by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, to the effect that the president has been using state funds to run his presidential campaign.

The Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation, in a statement signed by its director of media and publicity, Mr. Sully Abu, challenged anyone who has evidence of use of public funds by the president for running his campaign to produce it. The organisation noted that Jonathan’s attitude to fighting corruption is all too well known and needs no debate.

In a sarcastic tone and obvious reference to the days when Atiku was number two citizen, the organisation said: "The President’s anti-corruption stance is well known and he is determined to pursue all miscreants on this score. In any case, gone are the days when use will be made of slush funds like the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF)."

Atiku had on Thursday challenged Jonathan on allegations that he is using state funds for his campaign