Oliver Okpala, Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has warned faceless anti-corruption imposters against maligning a quintessential gentleman and states manly politician like his boss.
In a statement in Abuja on Monday, Okpala noted that the attention of his office has been drawn to a report claiming that a coalition of 51 anti-corruption groups have formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking Ganduje’s arrest and prosecution.
He further lamented that the said petition, co-signed by one Dr. Johnson Nebechi and Umar Ideresu, the convener and spokesperson of the group, National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA), raised spurious issues and allegations.
He warned that to; “quickly retrace their steps to avoid being caught by the long arms of the law. A word, they say, is enough for the wise.”
The statement further read: “A critical look at their claims show the height of desperation people can go in an attempt to malign others. It is clear that they are not respecters of the rule of law. They are a lawless and ignoble bunch.
“The issues raised and canvassed in their so called petition are matters that form the key points in various cases filed by the Kano state government against Dr. Ganduje which are still before the courts.
“Ideally, these issues should not be discussed especially in this manner until the decision of the courts on the cases.
This is the minimum standard expected of every decent individual or organisation but it is clear that these are unschooled and unscrupulous elements.
“But they are bent on carrying on in their mendacity and slanderings aimed at maligning a quintessential gentleman and states manly politician, Dr. Ganduje,” Okpala noted in the statement.
Reacting further, the SSA noted that; “It is elementary knowledge that you cannot take issues or matters pending in court to law enforcement agencies or anti-corruption bodies. As things stand, these matters are subjudice.
“It should also be noted that most of the issues raised by the petitioners have been decided by the Federal High Court in favour of Ganduje. And this is their pain, they have the facts but have vowed that what they cannot achieve legitimately through the courts they will get through mudslinging. It wouldn’t work!
“Nigeria is not a lawless society, the judiciary must be allowed to carry out its job without inhibition or intimidation.
Ganduje is a bona fide, respected citizen of the country, a very noble one at that, and he deserves the right to the due process of the judicial system without any harassment.
“It must also be understood that the petitioners are members of an illegal organisation not known to law as they are not registered by any State or Federal agency. It is clear that the issues raised by them are politically motivated and are without any tangible evidence or legal backing.
“Agencies of government deal with organisations that are reputable and not those that are not recognised by law, therefore these petitioners can at best be described as political hirelings with a sinister motive of destroying the hard earned social and political integrity of Ganduje.