The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed what it called the “ridiculous statement” made on Sunday by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, in which he slammed the PDP for the “apparent failure” of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
In a statement signed by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the Party said it was clear from the Mr. Mohammed’s 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 of Information.
“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,” Mr. Metuh said.
“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?” The PDP National Public Secretary asked.
He stated that the PDP’s position on the issue of fighting corruption in Nigeria has not deviated, noting that there should be a holistic and all-encompassing approach that is devoid of persecution and selective victimization of opponents of the government. He added that if the government is indeed interested in tackling corruption, it would 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 wherein officials of the government, such as the Minister of Information, 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,” Mr. Metuh argued.
He declared that the issue of corruption in Nigeria is not political and has no partisan inclination and should not, therefore, be treated as a campaign issue, adding that the ruling Party must understand that Nigerians are tired of this unnecessary blame game.
“Nigerians want an honest approach to the issue of tackling corruption,” he continued. “A situation wherein 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.”
Mr. Metuh reminded the government that claiming to fight corruption does not mean the Federal Government can ignore its responsibility 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,” he said.
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