Bibire Reacts to Malami Saga, Says Public Office Should Be for Service Not Wealth Accumulation

Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Honourable Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire has reacted to the ongoing legal saga involving former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and described the development as a serious moment for Nigerians to apply the brake pedal and reflect on the meaning of public service.

Bibire spoke against the background of court proceedings in Abuja where former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami alongside his wife and son were granted bail at a combined value of N1.5bn.

He said the issue should not be reduced to legal drama alone but should be seen as a moral question about leadership and responsibility.

Bibire stated that politics was designed to be an avenue for service and sacrifice rather than a channel for rapid wealth accumulation.

He asked Nigerians to contemplate on what Malami’s declared assets were before he assumed office as Attorney General of the Federation.

He noted that there have been confirmed reports of past leaders across the world whose assets reduced after leaving office because they truly served and made sacrifices for their countries.

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He said such examples show that politics, as it ought to be, should be an avenue for service rather than personal enrichment.

Bibire stated that if a former public officer can conveniently meet a N1.5bn bail condition then Nigerians deserve clear explanations on how such wealth was acquired.

He added that the situation becomes more painful when placed beside the reality that the country is still struggling to fully implement a N70k minimum wage for workers.

Bibire said it is difficult for ordinary Nigerians who are still tightening their belts to understand how government pleads lack of funds while reports of massive wealth linked to public office holders continue to make the headlines.

This was as he described the reports of properties allegedly linked to Malami and his family and currently under court scrutiny as alarming in a country facing widespread poverty.

Bibire said leadership should be about integrity, accountability, and empathy for the people.

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The retired US Navy veteran, however, called on anti-corruption agencies to pursue the case transparently and allow the law to take its full course without fear or favour.

Bibire stressed that accountability is not an attack on individuals but a necessary step to protect democracy and restore confidence in government.

He urged leaders to remember that political power is a trust given by the people and must be exercised with honesty.

He said Nigerians deserve leaders who can account for their actions, and resources in clear and honest terms.

He said Nigerians are not demanding miracles but honesty, accountability, and fairness from those who govern them.

The leading House of Representatives aspirant for Ibadan Southwest and Northwest Federal Constituency under the platform of the PDP ended by saying Nigeria will only move forward when public office holders see governance as a duty to serve and not as a path to sudden and unexplained wealth.