For the PDP to make a headway in 2019, Olisa Metuh, Haliru Bello, Raymond Dokpesi, Attahiru Bafarawa, and others stalwart facing prosecution in the on-going anti-corruption campaign must be flung out showed of the party. And the PDP would have to slough off its name as it merges with other smaller parties.
After months-long brainstorming, the PDP Youth Frontier, a youth arm of the party, gave these recommendations in a communique issued after a meeting of its National Working Committee in Abuja on Monday.
“For the PDP to regain power at the federal level come 2019, a total overhaul of its entire system must occur. [It must] Ensure discipline and expel the members undergoing criminal investigation including NWC and BoT members,” the communique signed by Austion Okai stated.
According to the PDPYF, Nigeria is at a crossroads now, needing a strong sense of leadership with purpose which can return the nation to the path of economic prosperity, progress and unity.
They also sympathise with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led probe of corruption in the country, saying it is a “welcome development long overdue”. “However, the war must be executed with regards to the constitutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria above anything else.”
They advised the EFCC and Buhari to bring Nigerians up to speed on how much of the nation’s looted patrimony has been recovered so far, and to also disclose dedicated accounts where the funds recovered are deposited for safe keeping.
“The Judiciary is urged to stand firm and defend the right of Nigerians according to legal provisions without resorting to technicalities to protect unpatriotic citizens from punishment,” the communique added.
The group’s position appears to have shifted since it took a stand during the January 6 conferment of the Grand Patron title on Dokpesi, who was arrested and accused of taking N2.1 billion from ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki in the run-up to 2015.
The PDPYF had said it was behind Dokpesi and other party members roped into the arms purchase scam, because the youth believed Buhari was just out on vendetta.