The Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) says no amount of intimidation, blackmail and propaganda by the
Presidency would stop it from standing shoulder to shoulder with Nigerians in
demanding that President Muhammadu Buhari kick-starts government and commence implementation
of his campaign promises for which he was voted into office.
The party said Presidency’s
excuse of clearing the so-called Augean Stable is lame and diversionary noting
that it stands by its statement that the delay is creating loopholes
Through which some persons
claiming closeness to the President have infiltrated executive bodies,
arm-twisting and conniving with unscrupulous elements in the bureaucracy to
syphon the nation’s resources in the last 30 days.
PDP National Publicity
Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement on Monday said the party would not
in any way be cowed by threats and wild allegations by the Presidency into
abdicating its responsibility of speaking out as an opposition party where the
system is derailing.
“The PDP and indeed all
well-meaning Nigerians were appalled by the response from the Presidency
regarding our call for prayers to enable President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC
administration locate its bearing, compose a government and halt the prevailing
stagnation with its huge negative impact on the system.
“Instead of addressing the
issues raised, the Presidency descended to insults, abuses and innuendos, a
stance which not only bears out the case made by the PDP but also raises
questions about the capacity of this administration to shoulder the enormous
responsibility of governance.
“While we expect the present
administration to be serious about the fight against corruption, probe and
persecute each and everyone involved in such, irrespective of their party
leaning, we restate that these must be done within the ambits of the law and
must not be used as a witch-hunt ostensibly to discredit and undermine the
opposition. We therefore caution against the current drama of politicizing the
issue of corruption in the country.
“Furthermore, the analogy of
the Augean stable, is completely baffling to us at this level as it goes to a
great length to question the capacity and the sincerity of those around the
president.
“In Greek mythology, Hercules
in his ingenuity took the task and efficiently cleared the Augean’ stable in a
day for which he demanded a reward of a tenth of fine cattle belonging to the
king.
“Nigerians would not want to
believe that in the so-called clearing of the Augean stable, although not
delivering in one day, President Buhari wants to play Hercules in his demand,
this time, by wanting to run the government alone without the statutory
components of the executive as enshrined in the constitution.
“We ask, is the so-called
clearing of mess responsible for his inability after 90 days of winning an
election to make up his mind on rudimentary appointments such as Secretary to
the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff and his demand for 15 Special
Advisers as approved by the PDP controlled Seventh Assembly since June 5, 2015?
“Perhaps we need to draw
President Buhari’s attention to the fact that while he is busy clearing his
imaginary mess on the pages of newspapers, some persons claiming closeness to
him have in the last 30 days been piling up sleazes that also need his
attention in key agencies of government.
“Despite the absence of
approving and supervising officials, key income generating institutions like
NNPC, NIMASA, NPA, FIRS and other strategic agencies have been invaded by
persons claiming to be friends and associates of the President and this puts to
question the sincerity and seriousness of the administration to affect the
so-called change upon which they rode to power.
“Auxiliary to this is the issue
of the construction of a helipad, amongst various expenses and other major
government expenditure going on across board in the last one month and without
due supervision as the eyes of the President cannot be everywhere.
“We declare unequivocally that
we do have respect for the person and office of the President especially
considering his age and status as an elder statesman. However, we will like to
make it very clear that the President of the Federal Republic Nigeria is
neither a Sherriff in the Old Wild West nor a military dictator in some Banana
Republic. He is an elected president under a democratic setting.
LET THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY
REIGN!!!
Signed:
Chief Olisa Metuh
National Publicity Secretary
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