Strengthen anti corruption agencies, allow them free hands to do their jobs – PDP tell FG

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.