– declares President defended himself sufficiently
– Accuses mainstream media of vilifying President for Mohamed’s /APNU’s benefit
Returning to Freedom House’s conference hall last Thursday for his weekly briefing, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, Bharrat Jagdeo declared that there is no smoking gun regarding Azruddin Mohamed’s allegations against President Irfaan Ali and that the President has defended himself sufficiently. Further, Jagdeo said he never shared any relationship, of any sort, with fraud-accused Mohamed.
There continues to be controversary surrounding any role that President Ali might have played in facilitating Mohamed’s alleged tax fraud when importing his Lamborghini. Mohamed released to the public, Whatsapp communication between himself and the President on the very matter. Nevertheless, Vice President Jagdeo said Mohamed has failed to show the nation any proof that President Ali knew of his intention to defraud the state.
Faced with questions surrounding the allegation, Jagdeo said, “The president addressed it but will not get into the trench with a man of low integrity and a man who is sanctioned by the United States for smuggling 10,000 kg of gold.”
Jagdeo did not stop there. He accused mainstream media of being involved in a major plot to bolster Mohamed’s agenda for the benefit of the opposition, mainly APNU.
Jagdeo said, “It is a big cover up by the mainstream media because they somehow believe that he (Mohamed) is going to assist APNU. The anti-PPP NGOs are part of the political arm of these bodies and half of them collecting money from the people.”
Jagdeo said Mohamed lacks the very integrity he speaks of so often. “He lies and we just take lies; President Ali has already responded; that is enough, that is the end of the matter.”
Asked about his personal relationship with Mohamed, Jagdeo appeared even more comfortable in answering questions.
A smiling Jagdeo uttered, “What relationship? He asked me about my personal relationship or past relationship with Mohamed. So, tell me what was that?”
Jagdeo made himself comfortable in his chair leaving silence in the room as he awaited the reporter’s definition of personal relationship. Then, he declared, “I like women,” distancing himself from any sort of relationship with Mohamed.
“I didn’t help him to smuggle gold; I wasn’t involved with the (murdered Guyanese) Papershorts matter or the Lamborghini business.” He admitted that he said he met with Mohamed before as he did with many Guyanese from all walks of life.
