Yameen accuses Adam Azim of concealing Muizzu's graft as mayor
He said Adam Azim had an opportunity to explain the matters to the public but had not done so.
Former President Abdulla Yameen on Thursday accused incumbent Malé Mayor Adam Azim of concealing alleged corruption and misuse of funds during President Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure as mayor before he assumed office in late 2023.
Speaking at a political meeting, Yameen said allegations related to financial irregularities during Muizzu’s term as mayor were widely discussed but had not been addressed by the current city administration.
He said Adam Azim had an opportunity to explain the matters to the public but had not done so.
Yameen said the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) had nominated Moosa Ali Jaleel as its mayoral candidate only because a candidate was required.
He said President Muizzu was more comfortable with Adam Azim remaining in office.
“Adam Azim has concealed what Muizzu did as mayor,” Yameen said.
He alleged that there was a relationship between Adam Azim, Attorney General Ahmed Usham, MP Mohamed Nazim and President Muizzu.
Yameen said some issues related to alleged misconduct were discussed in meetings of the People’s National Front (PNF) but were not brought before the Malé City Council.
He claimed that councillors from the ruling party had left council meetings without a quorum when such matters were expected to be raised.
Yameen said issues of corruption did not require council approval to proceed with inquiries and that internal and performance audits could be conducted.
He said the mayor had not taken steps to carry out audits or make information public.
Yameen said he did not believe President Muizzu intended to support Moosa Ali Jaleel’s election and suggested that the nomination was a political decision by the party.
The Malé City Council and the government have not responded to the allegations.
