PDP demands release of spokesman by EFCC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has decried the continued detention of its spokesman, Olisah Metuh by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This is contained in a statement signed by the PDP National Legal Adviser, Mr Victor Kwon in Abuja on Sunday.

The statement decried the release of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), retired Brig.-Gen. Jafaru Isa, eight hours after he was arrested by the EFCC.

The statement said these developments were unjustifiable.

``Such action had vindicated PDP’s position that the Federal Government was not fighting corruption but on a clamp-down mission on PDP leaders.’’

It stated that Metuh, arrested without invitation by the anti-graft agency, had remained incarcerated since Tuesday while Isa was quickly released ``after the EFCC boss’ meeting at the Presidential villa.

``The action of EFCC in freeing Isa and still detaining Metuh is condemnable, as the two of them were being investigated over same allegation of receiving funds from the office of the National Security Adviser.

``This clearly shows that the APC government is not fighting corruption but using the much hyped crusade as a cover to persecute PDP leaders and decimate the opposition, a project the EFCC has clearly yielded itself as a willing tool.

``What happened to the illegal holding charge upon which it has detained the PDP spokesman beyond the limit stipulated by Section 35 (5a) of the Constitution and in violation of his guaranteed personal liberty under the law?

``While we reiterate our support for any effort aimed at eradicating corruption, we stand our ground in demanding that the fight must be holistic, credible, and within the limits provided by the laws irrespective of political affiliations.’’

``His continued detention without being charged to court is only indicative of the fact that the commission has not been able convince itself of enough evidence of guilt and is now lending itself as a willing instrument of persecution against Metuh.’’