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December 06, 2005
Nigeria VP vows no hand in 'plot'
Nigeria's Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has pledged he will never become involved in any plot to undermine the country's democratic government.
Mr Atiku's statement followed a media report of an alleged plan to frame him for treason over a false coup plot.
He also said denied rumours that he was on the verge of resigning. Observers say relations between Mr Atiku and President Obasanjo have become strained over who will stand in the 2007 presidential elections.
Nigeria's constitution would have to be changed to allow Olusegun Obasanjo to have a third term.
The vice-president is the only member of the government and the ruling People's Democratic Party who has not joined the campaign for an extension of Mr Obasanjo's tenure beyond 2007.
On Monday, the Daily Trust newspaper said it had received an e-mail message from an aide to Mr Atiku alleging the president's supporters were planning to frame the vice president for a false coup plot and then have him arrested.
The paper said it was told by a spokesman for the president that the allegations were fantasy and that the presidency did not bother itself with such "speculation and idle gossip".
In his statement, Mr Atiku said his attention had "been drawn to some documents circulating in the country about a purported plan to rope me and some of my associates into certain unconstitutional acts.
"For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to state unequivocally, that by my antecedents and democratic convictions, I will never be involved in any plot to derail our hard-earned democratic system of government," he said.
He added that he remained committed and faithful to his oath of office to uphold the constitution.
"In this regard, anyone purporting to drag my name or office into anything contrary to this oath should be regarded as mischief-makers who do not wish our country well."
Posted by Publisher at December 6, 2005 04:15 PM
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