The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned recent activities of some commentators in the media and the undue politicisation of the judgment of an Ikeja High Court involving some former members of the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
The National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Rufai Alkali said, while it is within the rights of the various commentators to hold opinions on any issue, it is at the same time unnecessary and counterproductive to impute political undertones to judicial pronouncements especially when the issues at stake have no direct political bearings.
Prof. Alkali who made the feelings of his party known through a press statement said that since his assumption of office in 2007, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has consistently made it clear that his administration shall operate a zero tolerance policy on corruption, noting that he, also made it clear that there shall be no sacred cows in his determination to ensure accountability in government.
“This is precisely why he has always emphasised government commitment to due process and the rule of law as the cardinal principles of his administration”.
According to him the PDP therefore finds it amusing that some politicians have taken advantage of this judgment to cast aspersions on the Party as if it was not the PDP government that has provided the enabling environment for the independence of the judiciary.
“We also find it strange that some critics are still unwilling to give credit to the federal government under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua even when significant milestones have been achieved and are glaring for all to see”.
He said the party was particularly disturbed by the insincerity and hypocrisy of some former government officials whose duty it was to bring erring officials to book but who at that time failed to do so only to turn round and claim credit for decisions they have no hand in at all.
“As a Party, we shall continue to emphasise our deep commitment to supporting and defending the independence of the Judiciary and we shall continue to be in the fore front for advancing and prompting the civil liberties of all Nigerians.
He said rather than engage idle politicians who have no fresh ideas to offer on the direction of our country, we shall continue to stick to our principles of allowing every judicial process run full circle”, pointing out that Chief Olabode George and the others reserve the right to appeal this judgment just like every other Nigerian and they must not be denied this right for the simple reason that they are involved in politics.