Alleged attempted bribe on S/Court judge unhealthy for democracy

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the alleged attempt to bribe an apex court judge by the Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, as unhealthy for Nigeria’s democracy.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Dayo Adeyeye made this known in Abuja on Tuesday,

Adeyeye said the party viewed the allegation as grievous, dangerous, criminal and unhealthy for our democracy and the rule of law.

He said the Sen. Ahmed Makarfi- led PDP attention had been drawn to a four-page letter written by Justice Inyang Okoro to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council dated Oct 17.

The letter, he said, alleged that Amaechi and Umana Umana, both of APC attempted to bribe and sway justice against the PDP candidates in Rivers, Akwa-Ibom and Abia.

“The PDP view this allegation as grievous, dangerous, criminal and unhealthy for our democracy and the rule of law.

“This information by a high ranking judge must not be swept under the carpet like previous petitions and the Report of the Rivers State Judiciary Commission of Inquiry.”

Adeyeye said that the attempt bribe by Amaechi and Umana if the Department of State Services (DSS) did carry a sting action of Oct.8.

“It appears that the public would have remained in the dark without the prompting of the DSS harassments and invasion of his home."

Adeyeye added that the allegation against Amaechi had again vindicated its position that there were so many corrupt leaders and members of the ruling party.

He reiterated that the recent style of arrest, detention and release of judges was a charade targeted at gagging the Nigerian Judiciary.

“We once again condemn in strong terms the frequent use of security agencies by this government to molest, harass and intimidate well-meaning Nigerians and opposition figures in the country. ”

The PDP spokesman, therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency, investigate the weighty allegation and prosecute the perpetrators.

“We once again call on the judiciary to remain neutral and fearless by this orchestrated threat to our democracy”.