PDP Reps to Buhari: Probe IBB, Abdulsalami, Obasanjo, others

Members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives have called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to restrict his probe into alleged corrupt practices to the immediate past government of former President Goodluck Jonathan, but should include all past governments.

They said anything to the contrary may be in breach of the constitutional principle of fairness and equity to all.

According to the Caucus, “a crime at any time remains a crime as long as there are facts, and to it, there is no status of limitation against the prosecution of criminal offences,” adding that anything to the contrary is “unacceptable.”

Addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, members of the Publicity Committee of the Caucus, led by its Chairman, Rep Rima Shawulu (PDP Taraba), said PDP would reclaim power at the centre in 2019 since ‘it led the country transparently’, stating that as a group, the Caucus has resolved to unreservedly support Buhari in the war against corruption, even as it would not be involved in area boys’-style of opposition, by raising frivolous criticisms against the government.

“As a party, we have resolved to cooperate with the government, and to work to deepen democracy but not to criticise unless there is absolute need to do so, and we would not cook up facts in doing so. Nigerians in their wisdom decided to give the APC four years mandate,” Shawulu noted, adding that the PDP Caucus’ support for the anti-graft war has been demonstrated by several motions sponsored by its members since the return of plenary of the House.

While expressing caution that corruption cannot be fought on the pages of newspapers, the lawmaker argued that Buhari had no singular power to limit himself to a specific time, and past governments to probe, urging him to investigate and prosecute all allegations of graft, irrespective of who is involved, or political party’s affiliation.

He said the Caucus was happy with Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, and his Deputy, Suleimon Lasun for the manner in which they have piloted the affairs of the House so far, pledging its total support for the leadership.