Dokpesi: Armsgate is nothing but witch-hunt

Raymond Dokpesi, founder of DAAR Communications, has accused the federal government of vilifying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing the probe of the abuse of security funds under the last administration.

Dokpesi, who is currently undergoing prosecution for allegedly receiving N2.1 billion from the office of the national security adviser (NSA) for the media campaign of the PDP, vowed that his party would fight what he described as injustice, till the very end.

He alleged that the current administration was taking Nigeria back to the era of dictatorship but said his party which is bent at the moment, would not be broken.

Dokpesi was speaking in Abuja on Wednesday after his investiture as the patron of the PDP Youth Vanguard and honour as ‘the freedom fighter of PDP’.

“So much political water has passed under the bridge since the general election of April 2015, so much have been said about our members, many of whom have been publicly vilified even without being heard,” he said.

“Even as I speak to you now the relentless pursuit of our members  across the country is being intensified and I can say to some measure of certainty that a lot more light in store for the PDP and its members. Our party, the People Democratic Party, played a key role in the entrenchment of democracy in the country.

“We will not be weakened or demoralised in playing our role as the important opposition voice which is very critical ingredient in any democratic state. We may be harassed, we may even be bent, but we are resolute and will not be broken.

“In the 16 years in power, it brought about major reforms in the economy, communication, technology and business which has today made Nigeria the biggest economy in Africa.

“The democratic freedom upon which the now ruling party rode to power is made possible by PDP government, which ensured fundamental human right of citizens to freely express themselves were guaranteed, even at the expense of its existence as the then ruling party.

“Legislation like freedom of information act are realities of the PDP government. And I dare say that even the EFCC, the ICPC, and all the agencies that are today said to be dealing with issues of corruption were brought in place by PDP government.

“I speak in regard to the several matters before the law court of our country concerning PDP members and especially my humble self on charges filed against us by the federal government.

“The provisions of section 287 of the constitution are very clear on the obedience of court orders by all arms of government.

“Having said so, I must assure you that there is nothing like the much flaunted $2.1 billion dollars arms deal, it does not exist. It’s a figment of the imagination of the current administration in an attempt to disseminate, misinform, destroy the very root of the PDP and you must stand, each and every one of you must stand for the Peoples Democratic Party.

“I have unshakeable faith that the youth are not just the future but the present of our dear country Nigeria, and must be active if the heart-felt democracy is to be sustained and protected.”

Dokpesi said his company has survived “oppression” from the powers that be in the past, and would remain alive to check “monstrous powers of the state”.

He added that the PDP would not go into extinction as a result of its current challenges.

“As I have said not too long ago we must stand resolutely united especially in the face of this momentary political adversity, for one thing I want to say again that the PDP is not dead, that the PDP is not dying, and the PDP will not die,” he said.

“The persecution of the former national security adviser, the persecution of the publicity secretary of the peoples democratic party, the chairman board of trustees, we will by the special grace of God remain proud when we start our defences in court.

“Some of us are reminded the event of the 1984/85 years which by any stretch of comparison as similar to the unfolding event of today… Free press is as important as other element that help to check the monstrous power of the state.

“DAAR communication plc, owners and proprietor of African Independent Television, Raypower Fm, Faaji FM, and other subsidiaries, has from inception had been at the fore front in the fight against impunity and promotion of democracy even from the military days in this country.

“We have weathered the storm of oppression, we have been vilified many times, we have also been persecuted in our constitutional duties to make government and government official accountable to the Nigerian people, but we never wavered. During the infamous third term tenure, elongation agenda, we dared to speak; we dared to speak up, but spoke.

“We have always been on the part of human right, citizen participation in the democratic process, transparency and accountability, these ideals have not changed. We will support any policy of government that seeks to promote the ideals of good governance, but we will also not be cowed to speak up where we disagree.”

Dokpesi’s outburst is coming a day after his son, who is chairman of DAAR Communications, led top management staff of the organisation to the presidential villa to present a giant seasonal card to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Additional reports by David Atilola