Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it will not condone corruption in any part of the nation’s life.
Mr Olisa Metuh, National Publicity Secretary of the party, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja while reacting to the N225 million car scandal in the Aviation Ministry.
The party spokesman declared that the PDP had never and would never condone any form of corruption.
“The position of our great party on corruption is unambiguous and our zero tolerance for corrupt practices abounds in practical examples.’’ Mutuh.
This, he said was so because the party`s founding fathers placed utmost premium on transparent and accountable government as a platform for achieving a better Nigeria.
“Our successive leaders since 1999 have resolutely stuck to this.”.
Metuh ,however, said that the accusation of corruption in the aviation ministry was “a big worry” to the party.
He added that this was why the Presidency and the party leadership set up a panel to investigate the matter while the National Assembly stepped in.
Metuh commended the presidency and the National Assembly for taking the step, adding that it was appropriate in the circumstance.
“It is a fundamental rule of due process and fairness that these investigations be allowed a full course.
“This is to ensure that those at the centre of the saga would be availed the opportunity to offer their own side and avoid a case of conviction before trial.
He said whoever was found culpable at the end of the day, shall reap in full; “ the bitter consequences of corruption and disservice to the nation.
“If otherwise established, the aviation officials should not be intimidated but remain focused in the outstanding transformation that Nigerians have witnessed in the sector”.
He, however, frowned at the dimension comments on the aviation scandal had taken, adding that they were filled with sentiments.
According to him, biased statements on the issue can hardly achieve an objective basis for establishing the culpability of public officers involved in the matter.
“This public trial in which the accused stands no chance of defence is antithetical to democracy as it is capable of railroading appropriate investigation into an unjust conclusion.
“We, therefore, call on those who had found occupation in sensational, subjective and anti-national comments and protests on the issue to take their exit ’’.
This he said, would allow the appropriate institutions of authority to dispassionately handle the matter.
