Corruption: Media Persecution Unnecessary

Our attention has been drawn to a publication in a national daily
wherein the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly
stated that the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh
raised an alarm on threats to his life because, according to them, he
was being investigated on money laundering charges of transferring funds
to key members of the PDP.

This office indeed finds it curious and diversionary that Chief Metuh’s
public outcry against the federal government on threats to his life is
now being replied by the EFCC with allegation of transferring money to
party members.

Whilst we will not trend with the EFCC in their well-designed media
trial, we find their action a perfect example of media persecution and
mob lynching.

This agency has continued to flout the principles of rule of law and due
process as obtained in other democracies where suspects are invited,
investigated, prosecuted and punished accordingly if found guilty.

However, it must be communicated that being in control of apparatus of
power does not permit any administration to engage in violations,
harassments and media persecution all in an attempt to hang charges on
select individuals especially on account of political leaning.

Nevertheless, on the issue of honesty, integrity and probity in the
fight against corruption, it is imperative that the following issues
already in the public domain be addressed;

1. Is it really true that Mr. President had collected his monetized
statutory benefits from the government before reportedly collecting
vehicles from the office of the National Security Adviser?

2. Is it correct to state that it is the Office of the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation that dealt with the statutory benefits of
the President as former heads of state in line with the convention and
norm of dealing with past heads of state?

3. Is the collection by Mr. President from the Office of the National
Security Adviser (NSA) a bit out of line in receiving benefits from
government?

Finally, while restating Chief Metuh’s commitment to the PDP’s total
support for the on-going war against corruption, we reiterate the need
to sustain the laudable democratic values that had been greatly enriched
by the last administration.

WE STILL NEED THE NATIONAL TRUTH COMMISSION!!!


Signed:

Richard Ihediwa
Special Assistant To
National Publicity Secretary (PDP)