Vice President Ahmed Adeeb has said that there was never a moment when he was blamed for every incident in the country and added that this was because others were threatened by him.
He made the statement in a press conference held Wednesday in PPM office, responding a question by a member of press.
He said that he was the youngest person to reach that position in the history of the nation and attributed this success to his faithfulness and not his connections. Vice President Adeeb said that many were attempting to halt his successes by spreading various rumors and false allegations. He also said that he had no intention of returning fire to such rumors and allegations.
Adeeb said that he remained steadfast and committed to face any challenge that faced the nation, alongside President. He added that he was appointed to the post of tourism minister in 2012 by President Yameen and that he had been loyal to President Yameen from the PPM Presidential primaries onwards.
Vice president said that he was too ill to travel to the airport to greet the president, on his arrival to Maldives from Saudi Arabia. He said that he will always regret that decision. He added that Monday’s attack was also aimed at him. Adeeb said that his absence that day will always be fodder for those who speculate.
“Dr. Shainee was there as he was one who always did follow ups on Saudi projects. He was there on his individual request,” Adeeb said.
Adeeb said that from 2008 onwards, Presidential speedboats were maintained by civilian contract staff and not MNDF personnel. However, now all positions of the speedboats were filled by MNDP personnel. He added that President Yameen had instated various reforms of MNDF so that such an incident will not occur in the future.
He added that political rivalry was intense in Maldives, but this Government will not accept any bloodshed carried out. Vice President added that both he and President Yameen were confident of the MNDF and MPS, in spite of the incident. An isolated case such as this was not the issue of the entire institution, Vice President stressed, adding that there were many reforms that needed to be undertaken. He also appealed not to blame MNDF solely, as there were individuals from other agencies on board the speedboat.
Adeeb also denied the rumors that his passport had been seized and that he was planning to flee to London to avoid arrest. He said that he had not been questioned but in the event he is questioned he will address the queries. He added that the authorities did not need a search warrant to search his residence as his home was open. He noted that he was still in charge of Tourism Ministry and had been fulfilling the responsibilities of the role responsibly.
“There is never a moment when I am blamed for whatever happens to the country”: VP Adeeb
