The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has released a statement demanding an inquest into the funding of the election of President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing him of embarking on selective anti-corruption war. According to our source, the statement said until top officials of the former government open up on the exact source of the funding, it is premature to be accusing only PDP members of corrupt practices.
“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,” PDP said.
According to the statement, Nigerians demand to know the contributions from APC-controlled state governors to Buhari’s campaign, and
“the allegation that people were made ministers just to cover up the slush fund that they provided to finance the APC presidential campaign.”
The party also stated that if the current anti-corruption war of the Federal Government includes investigation of the expenditure of former President Goodluck Jonathan administration’s security votes from 2011 to 2015, such should be extended to the security votes of all past presidents and heads of State from 1984, including
“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 and Rwanda, among others.”
The party expressed full support and
“an honest, holistic and total war against corruption” and “the trial and prosecution of all those involved, including those who may have returned ‘loots’ to government.” PDP said it is 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 government should stop the brutal mob and public conviction of individuals and the transfer of the burden of proof of people being investigated,” the statement added.
PDP called for the establishment of a National Truth Commission where politicians and other Nigerians can publicly discuss the true meaning of corrupt practice in the country.
“This commission would also provide a platform for a proper public inquisition into the mind boggling wealth of some Nigerians in public office.
“Nevertheless, if indeed President 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 party noted.
It said it would 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.”
Source
New Telegraph
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