By Michael Odiah
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the unabated killings across the country and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to come out clean on the incessant killings by herdsmen and address the nation on how to end the carnage.
The party through its National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus made this call, adding that the President must take responsibility of the protection of lives and property of Nigerians which is the most important of his responsibilities.
Prince Secondus conveyed the party’s message at the end of a closed door meeting of its National Working Committee (NWC) and the PDP Governors’ Forum on the 4th of February, 2018 at the Delta State Government House, Asaba, stressing that the Federal Government’s decision to set up a committee to address the issues of herdsmen killings is a pretentious approach to a matter that requires firm action and leadership by the President in line with his Oath of Office to protect all Nigerians irrespective of creed, tribe and political affiliation.
Secondus added that the party solidly condemn the massive corruption going on in the management of fuel subsidy which the Federal Government had declared non existent while billions of Naira are being deducted monthly at Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings.
Furthermore, PDP urged Buhari to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to adhere to the Rule of Law by obeying Court judgements and orders such as the one involving the Ekiti State Government against EFCC and restrain itself from further political intimidation and harassment of known or perceived political opponents, stressing that the commitment to the enthronement of constitutional democracy in the face of intimidation and harassment by the judiciary is highly commended by PDP.
The statement chided the All Progressive Congress (APC) of claiming glory for the call of restructure, explaining that PDP has been the author of restructuring which was further expressed in the Report of the 2014 National Conference, stressing that APC as a later day convert of restructuring is merely paying lip service to a matter of national importance and that PDP has now mandated its members in the National Assembly to immediately commence the process of initiating a Bill to address issues bothering on restructuring.
He expressed the disappointments of PDP states and local governments over the unilateral withdrawal of USD1Billion from the Excess Crude Account by the Federal Government, stressing unequivocally, that neither the Governors’ Forum nor the Federal Executive Council has the power of appropriation of Federation Accounts, as such powers reside with the National and State Assemblies.
Prince Secondus expressed his appreciation to the people and government of Delta State for playing host to this all important meeting, and in extension commended members of PDP for their unalloyed support, stressing that no established organ of the party is allowed to align with any presidential aspirant, adding that the repositioned PDP, is prepared for the 2019 elections and will ensure that all Nigerians aspiring to elective offices are free to contest on the platform of the PDP.
