The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged President Muhammadu
Buhari to prove the sincerity of his fight against corruption by
directing the investigation and arraignment of former Edo State
Governor, Adams Oshiomhole over allegations of corruption.
Nigerians were stunned to learn that the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) had to be dragged to court by an Edo state based
anti-corruption crusader, Bishop (Dr) Osadolor Ochei, seeking the court
to compel EFCC to act on petitions against the former governor and
commence his investigation and prosecution.
The PDP believes that Governor Oshiomhole is being officially shielded
from investigation by the Buhari Presidency.
The party therefore invites Nigerians to join the call for the
investigation and prosecution of the erstwhile governor over the weighty
allegations against him.
PDP condemns the official shielding of Oshiomhole, whom President Buhari
had anointed as his preferred National Chairman of the dysfunctional All
Progressives Congress (APC), in spite of the public knowledge of the
corruption allegations against him.
We challenge the Presidency to come out clear on its involvement in the
efforts to protect former Governor Oshiomhole as well as other APC
members from prosecution over corruption allegations.
Oshiomhole must be made to provide answers to allegations that he built
a sprawling mansion worth more than N10 billion in his hometown as well
as allegedly constructing another expensive building said to worth over
N500 million along Okoro-otun Avenue in Benin City.
He should answer to allegations by Bishop Ochei that he approved a
highly inflated contract and payment, without due process, of N1.88
billion for the construction of hostel rooms at the Edo State
University, Iyamho; that he allegedly approved an inflated N1.22 billion
contract for the building of the Teaching Hospital in the same
institution as well as an alleged diversion of N1.2 billion approved for
the construction of a new accident and emergency ward complex and
renovation of existing structures in the Central Hospital, Benin City.
The PDP insists that Comrade Oshiomhole must be made to provide answers
on the handling of the N25 billion he allegedly borrowed from the
Capital Market through issuance of bonds; the alleged inflation of
contract sums for various road projects in the state as well as
allegations that he acquired properties in United States, South Africa
and Dubai worth billions of U.S. dollars.