As the Federal Government continues to chant its battle cry in the war against corruption, particularly with the investigation of the alleged $2 billion arms scam, the major opposition to All Progressives Congress, the ruling party, has reached out with a few words of admonishment.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has stated its support for the Fwederal Government’s crusade against corruption.
This was revealed in a statement released by the leadership of the party.
The statement stated “the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, hereby reiterates its support for a honest, holistic and total war against corruption and we demand the trial and prosecution of all those involved, including those who may have returned ‘loots’ to the government.”
In giving their support to the intent of the government to fight corruption, the PDP maintained that it would not support a vindictive and one sided prosecution spree as all corrupt individuals notwithstanding their political affiliations should be brought to book.
“However, we are completely against any one-sided public trial and mob conviction of accused persons without following the age-long and worldwide legal process wherein all accused persons are presumed innocent until the contrary is lawfully proved. We do not believe that mere investigation confers a guilty verdict on those concerned and the government should stop the brutal mob and public conviction of individuals and the transfer of the burden of proof on people being investigated.”
This is stemming from the conspicuous trial of ex-NSA chairman, Sambo Dasuki and other associates who happen to be affiliated with the PDP by the EFCC.
Despite the Presidency’s mantra of change, it appears the only group of people being investigated for corruption related crimes are affiliates of the former ruling party.
This has led the PDP to maintain that it would not support a vindictive and partial quest against corruption as individuals in the APC who have been alleged of corruption are not being investigated by the anti-graft agency.
PDP stated that: “wW restate for emphasis that a media and public war against corruption is good, but it should not be limited to only those opposed to the President and the ruling party. In fact, until top officials of the former government open up on the exact source of the funding, it remains premature to be accusing our party members of corrupt practices.”
The party further admonished the president challenging him on the true intentions of his selective war against corruption.
“In the light of the way and manner of this government’s selective prosecution of the war against corruption, the PDP challenges the government to set up a National Truth Commission wherein politicians and other Nigerians publicly discuss the true meaning of corrupt practice in our land. This commission would also provide a platform for a proper public inquisition into the mind-boggling wealth of some Nigerians in public office.”
The PDP believes that an unbiased investigation into corruption by a neutral and public body would reveal skeletons in the closets of the otherwise sanctimonious politicians of the ruling party.
“Nigerians are quite eager to learn the business and investment tricks of past and present public officers in the APC fold, especially former governors, former ministers as well as their national leader, who suddenly acquired multi-billions investments and are now reputed to be the richest politicians in the country.”
Also it requests the President to admit if its intentions is to prosecute the opposition for going against him in the last presidential election that saw him emerge victorious.
“Nevertheless, if indeed President Muhammadu Buhari in anyway whatsoever desires to probe his opponent in the presidential election, he should come out straight instead of going round in circles.
“If indeed the government is interested in ending sleazes associated with campaign funds, the National Truth Commission will present an avenue for Nigerians to openly debate the issues therein with facts and figures.”
The PDP further accused the government of spending hundreds of millions to fund media hatred and malignity for the party that ruled the country fir 16 years.
It is interesting to note that a large formation of the key politicians in the APC once served in public capacity under the umbrella of the PDP.
The party makes no attempt to spare them in its statement.
“Finally, we state categorically that the PDP will no longer allow major beneficiaries of its 16 years in power, especially those with a lot of proven baggage to attempt to adorn a sanctimonious apparel by castigating and denigrating a party on which platform they had the opportunity to serve.”
