Why We Remain In Support OF Fight Against Corruption - PDP

…. Demands Establishment Of A National Truth Commission

The Leadership of the peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby reiterates
its support for an 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.

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 guilt 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 of people being
investigated.

We 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.

Nevertheless, if indeed the government's investigation includes the
expenditure of President Jonathan security votes from 2011, then it
should be extended to a public inquisition on the following:

1.The security votes of all past Presidents and Heads of state from
1984.
2.The award of contracts by the Petroleum Trust Fund from 1995 to 1999.
3.The expenditure of our military purchases and expenditure during the
Bakassi wars, the fight against militancy in the Niger Delta, military
interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Somalia, Rwanda among
others.
4.The source of funding of the PDP and APC's 2015 Presidential
campaigns; the contributions from APC controlled state governors for
their Presidential campaign and the beneficiaries thereof.
5. The allegation that people were made ministers just to cover up the
slush fund that they provided to finance the APC presidential campaign.

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.

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.

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.

If truly this government has provided hundreds of millions of naira to
columnists, media analysts and commentators as well as social media
writers and bloggers to castigate, denigrate and embarrass the PDP and
its leaders, then the PDP, being a party that is out of power and
especially against the present hostility of the security agencies, will
publicly approach the Truth Commission with revelations backed with
evidence, facts and figures.

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.

Signed:

Chief Olisa Metuh
National Publicity Secretary