PDP: Presidency has become ‘clearing house’ of corrupt officials

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is worrisome that the presidency has become the “judicial clearing house” of officials accused of corruption.

The opposition party says President Muhammadu Buhari’s letter to the senate clearing Ibrahim Magu and Babachir Lawal of corruption proves that his anti-corruption fight is a witch-hunt of its members.

Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Lawal, the secretary of the government of the federation, had both been accused of corruption.

The senate has refused to confirm Magu, and has also called on Buhari to sack Lawal.

In a statement on Wednesday, Dayo Adeyeye, spokesperson of the PDP, said it was “disturbing” that the president would clear Lawal despite “weighty evidence of his grass cutting abilities”.

“It is no longer news that all those who are serving in the government of President Muhammadu Buhari or who are members of his Party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) within the last two years of his administration have all been cleared of any wrongdoing; notwithstanding documentary and other incontrovertible evidences to the contrary,” the statement by Adeyeye read.

“The Presidency in today’s dispensation is the ‘judicial clearing house’ issuing clean bill of health to all accused corrupt officials who are members of the APC and friends of the administration.

“It is more worrisome that Mr. President made light of the DSS report which directly indicted the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu of several unwholesome and corrupt practices in the line of his duties.

“President Buhari saw nothing wrong in the report but was quick to order the invasion of judges homes in a gestapo and commando-style following the same DSS report.

“What a double standard! It appears that the APC led government is implementing two constitutions in Nigeria; one for the PDP and other opposition parties and their leaders while the other is for the ruling party, the APC and friends of this administration.

“It is very clear that the anti-corruption war of the President Muhammadu Buhari is a farce.

“Those who are serving or close to him can do no wrong. And if you are a sinner, simply cross over to the APC and all your sins will be forgiven.

“Without any fear of contradiction, we hereby further assert that the anti-corruption war of President is a complete failure. President Buhari must allow the trial of all the above mentioned officers and members of his Cabinet who have been found wanting with proof of corruption practices.

“Otherwise, we will conclude that it’s the end of the so called anti-corruption crusade. It’s time to end the deception of Nigerians. No more lies.”