The depth of filth in the APC primary election can contain a
tsunami. The “inglorious” exercise and its resulting attrition betray the
anti-corruption sloganeering of the Buhari administration.
*Adams Oshiomhole |
A lot has been said about the alleged
involvement of Adams Oshiomhole, APC national chairman, in the corruption
shin-dig. But what is the position of the Department of State Security
(DSS)? The secret police interrogated Oshiomhole, and really did ask him to
resign over allegations of bribery.
Was it right in making this demand of him? What effectuated the agency to toe such a controversial and unpopular path?
Was it right in making this demand of him? What effectuated the agency to toe such a controversial and unpopular path?
Well, the DSS has submitted the report of
its investigations to the presidency, and it recommended the prosecution of the
APC chairman. The new DSS chief is said to be a man of integrity and unbending
principle, and will not brook any compromise.
The case against Oshiomhole is that he
allegedly received a total bribe of $55 million, some of which were allegedly
remitted into proxy accounts. That DSS report contains, much, the details
of the transactions.
But why does the presidency appear lethargic
in this matter? Why is there no reaction at this point?
I believe this is a test, which if flunked would
pooh-pooh whatever credibility this government has left. Though President
Muhammadu Buhari seems resolute about allowing Oshiomhole face the law, there
seems to be counter forces within the presidency and in the APC against his
resolve.
Can Buhari prevail? Will Buhari prevail? Or
will this be another Babachir Lawal?
There is a sore argument that the case is a
party affair; hence should not be the subject of a security probe or
prosecution. But does the APC exist on Mars? Is the party a law onto itself?
Does it exist outside Nigerian laws? If a crime has been supposedly committed
the offender must submit to the law of the land, and not the APC law.
Really, it is a mockery of the
anti-corruption war if the presidency succumbs to pressure and ride with the
current on this issue. It will be another own goal. In fact, if the APC
government deodorises the alleged corruption in its own house, it cannot
fumigate it elsewhere.
The silence of the presidency is deafening.
It must realise that this case has gone beyond the party. It is now an issue of
state interest, and should be treated as such.
But will the presidency ride against this
tide?
*Fredrick Nwabufo is a commentator on public issues.
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