The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress says the Senate should live up to expectation by rejecting the ministerial nomination of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.
The APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, said the Senate should not be intimidated by the pro-Obanikoro protesters that demonstrated in front of the National Assembly complex on Wednesday.
The party said Obanikoro had been fingered in the rigging of the June 21, 2014 Ekiti governorship election which was purportedly recorded on tape.
Although Obanikoro has denied rigging the elections, the APC, told the Senate that confirming Obanikoro’s appointment would send wrong signals to Nigerians and the international community that the system encourages impunity.
The statement read, “Lagos APC has warned once again that unless Nigeria is a banana republic there is no reason why Senator Obanikoro’s name should be considered again for a ministerial position given his (alleged) deep involvement in ‘Ekitigate’ election scandal.
“The ‘Ekitigate scandal’ is such a weighty and monumental fraud that cannot be swept under the carpet as it rocks and undermines the very foundation of our democratic journey.”
The party said Lagos, being the largest state in Nigeria, has millions of competent people that could fill its slot in the Federal Executive Council.
It, therefore, urged the Senate not to hesitate to reject Obanikoro’s nomination.
The APC added, “What is the purpose of reappointing Senator Obanikoro who has just lost an election in Lagos as a minister if not to continue to use the exalted position to plunder our common patrimony at this critical point in the nation’s history?”
“Senator Obanikoro must be thrown out of the hallowed chamber of the National Assembly for decimating and desecrating our hard-earned democracy. We, in Lagos APC, reject Senator Obanikoro, we denounce this reappointment, and we strongly urge the Senate to throw him away in the interest of the country and democracy.”
BY ENIOLA AKINKUOTU
