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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Osita Chidoka has condemned President Muhammadu Buhari for using the federal executive chamber of the Presidential Villa for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement on Thursday, Chidoka, who was appalled by Buhari’s decision to use the federal executive chamber for his party’s activity, described it as degrading, while accusing him of mixing party business with government activities.
He stated that no President of the country since 1999 has permitted such activity at the Villa.
“The country witnessed a new low today when Mr President, for the first time since 1999, used the Federal Executive Chamber for APC NWC meeting,” he said.
“Since President Obasanjo, through President Yar’Adua and President Jonathan NO meeting of PDP NWC/NEC ever took place in the Federal Executive Council Chamber. The Party expanded Caucus which meets at the Villa periodically use the First Lady’s meeting room or the Banquet Hall.”
“The government is not an arm of a political party. Once a government is in place it is for all Nigerians and its organs or properties must not be used for partisan purposes.
“The holding of APC meeting in the Council Chambers is a clear signal that the government is commingling party and government business and we hope government funds are not being used to partisan end. This government continues to damage our national values.”
The PDP chieftain also queried the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed APC Caretaker Committee which was conducted by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
He said Malami’s “role as Chief Law officer of the nation is damaged”. “We can no longer trust that his opinion will not be tailored by partisan considerations,” he added.
“To depict the new low we saw the Attorney General of the federation swearing-in members of APC caretaker committee in the Federal Executive Council Chamber.
“This is a major affront to the constitutional role of the Attorney General as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation. Is he the National Legal adviser of the APC? On what basis did he conduct the Swearing-in using the council chamber?
“His role as Chief Law officer of the nation is damaged and we can no longer trust that his opinion will not be tailored by partisan considerations.
“This act may be a step in a plan to foist a one party state on Nigeria through the capture of state institutions for partisan goals. The Attorney General should take the part of honour NOW.”
