PDP Challenges APC Again On Presidential Campaign Funding

Strengthen Anti Corruption Agencies And Allow Them Free Hands To Do
Their Jobs– PDP Replies APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) notes the ridiculous statement on
Sunday by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed in which he tried to
blame the PDP for the apparent failure of the President Muhammadu
Buhari-led APC administration.

It is clear from the statement that the on going campaign against the
PDP and the media/mob trial of opposition elements in the country is
being coordinated from the office of the Minister. We are aware that
large sums of money have been made available for this purpose, hence the
desire of the Minister to justify his brief.

In carrying out his brief, Lai Mohammed has chosen to ignore the
time-honoured admonition that those who go to equity must come with
clean hands. Otherwise how would this minister possibly forget that
having served as Chief of Staff in one of the most corrupt state
governments in the country, he clearly lacks the moral and ethical
standing to accuse other people of corruption?

Our position on the issue of fighting corruption in the country remains
that there should be a holistic and all encompassing approach that is
devoid of persecution and selective victimization of opponents of the
government. If the government is indeed interested in tackling
corruption, then it will do well to strengthen the agencies charged with
fighting corruption and allow such agencies the freedom to do their work
without interference.

The present situation where officials of the government like the
Minister of Information will go about slandering opposition figures
whilst ignoring the clear cases of corruption against members of the
ruling party, will do our dear country more harm than good.

The issue of corruption in Nigeria is not political and has no partisan
inclination and should not therefore be treated as a campaign issue. The
ruling party must understand that Nigerians are tired of the unnecessary
blame game.

Nigerians want an honest approach to the issue of tackling corruption. A
situation where someone is only corrupt if he does not cross over to the
APC is simply laughable. It is indeed ridiculous that clearly corrupt
people are rewarded with government positions upon embracing the APC,
whilst those who stay back in PDP are vilified.

Finally, may we remind the government that the mere fact of purporting
to fight corruption does not take away it is obligation to provide good
and effective governance for the people.

The government has failed woefully in its duties and the propaganda
presently being coordinated by the Minister of Information will not put
food on the tables of Nigerians, who are already regretting voting the
APC to power.

Signed:

Chief Olisa Metuh
National Publicity Secretary