We won’t shield oil thieves, PDP tells Nigerians

The Peoples Democratic Party has re-assured Nigerians that in line with the cardinal agenda of its new leadership, it will not shield anybody who has a case to answer in the mismanagement of the petroleum subsidy.

It, therefore, called on the coalition of the civil society organisations to shelve its planned protest as their demand aligns with the stand of the party on the matter.

Some civil groups had insisted that its members would embark on a nationwide protest if the Federal Government fails to prosecute those indicted by the House of Representatives probe committee on the management of the petroleum subsidy.

But the party said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh on Saturday that it would continue to uphold transparency and the rule of law in its determination to lead by example.

It described its position as “the ultimate ingredients for the realisation of the transformation programme of the federal government.”

The statement said, “The demand of the civil groups is already reflected in the resolution of the National Working Committee of our great Party.

“As the party in power, the one controlling both the Executive and the Legislative arm of government, our position is that the culpable should face the full weight of the law.

“This must however, be in compliance with due process so as to make sure that only the guilty suffers.”

The statement further called on the groups to give considerable time for the law to take its full course.

“In this light, we must allow government to articulate the findings of the House of Representatives and engender necessary legal actions through the appropriate agencies of government, ” the statement added.

Meanwhile six governors from the six geo-political zones of the country are to become members of the National Caucus of the PDP.

However, President Goodluck Jonathan or the sitting president is to nominate the six governors.

Also, all members of the NWC of the party have been made automatic members of the caucus.

These were contained in the report of the PDP 2012 National Congresses and Convention Planning Committee submitted last Wednesday to the national leadership of the party in Abuja.

The report was signed by the committee’s chairman, Chief Ojo Maduekwe and its secretary, Dr. Akilu Sani Indabawa.

curled from punchng.com