The Presidency has described as ill-advised and totally uncalled for, the plan by the Trade Union Congress, TUC, to embark on a nationwide protest over alleged “inaction” of President Muhammadu Buhari over the high-level of corruption uncovered at the Niger Delta Development Agency, NDDC; the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC.”
The position of the Presidency is contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.
The Presidency argued that the decision of the TUC was uncalled for considering that there were ongoing investigations in the cases by both the Executive and Legislative arms of government.
“These processes must be allowed to run their full courses.
“It is against the norm in a democratic society as well as the natural laws of justice to seek “action,” meaning punishment against offenders before proper investigation, trial and conviction,” the Presidency said.
It stated that the president had made it clear that the allegations that had surfaced clearly “constitute a breach of trust” and that those found wanting would face the wrath of the law.
The statement reads further: “The TUC, as an enlightened group of labour Unionists, should indeed voice their indignation whenever such acts are being unearthed.
“However the expectation will be for it to also raise the bar higher, in terms of the debate concerning the impact of such allegations on our ability, to create and retain employment, attract investment, improve the living conditions of its members and citizens, and how a preponderance of these heinous crimes decimates any gains being made in other spheres.
“The world is confronted with a global public health crisis, decline in economic growth, and expanding areas of conflict by non-state actors.
“All these ills in their singular or combined form are consuming every nation. Nigeria is no exception; we must hold the line and lock arms that way we rid ourselves of these existential issues whilst we grapple with those that are our own homegrown problems.
“This administration is committed to doing just that, and organizations like the TUC should be extending a hand in supporting such a fight that is in our collective interest.”
