Arewa Source

PRESS STATEMENT ADC-PCC TO TINUBU: NIGERIANS DEMAND ANSWERS OVER SPOKESMAN’S ALLEGATION THAT MINISTERS BOUGHT APPOINTMENTS The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to respond to an allegation by his campaign spokesperson, Mr Alwan Hassan, that some ministers in his administration allegedly paid to secure their appointments and are now seeking to recoup their investments. The ADC-PCC said the allegation, reportedly made during a live television programme, raises serious questions about the integrity of ministerial appointments, accountability in government and the circumstances surrounding the selection of members of the Federal Executive Council. Hassan was reported to have stated that some ministers paid money to secure their positions and were now focused on recovering what they allegedly invested before turning their attention to the business of governance. The ADC- PCC queried " If substantiated, such an allegation would represent a grave indictment of the process through which public offices are filled and the principles of public service. It is particularly troubling that the allegation is attributed to a figure associated with the President’s political camp". The ADC-PCC therefore insisted that Nigerians deserve a clear and unequivocal response from the Presidency pointing out that "an allegation of this magnitude cannot simply be ignored or dismissed without a transparent explanation. "The allegation, if established, would suggest that ministerial appointments were treated as private investments rather than positions of public trust. It would also raise concerns about whether decisions affecting millions of Nigerians are being influenced by the personal financial interests of those entrusted with public responsibility. "At a time when Nigerians are grappling with rising living costs, insecurity, pressure on household incomes and persistent economic difficulties, the country cannot afford uncertainty over the integrity and priorities of those occupying its highest public offices". The ADC-PCC argues that the allegation raises fundamental questions about the administration’s much-publicised Renewed Hope Agenda and whether the interests of ordinary Nigerians are receiving the attention they deserve. "Public office is a responsibility, not a commercial transaction. Ministerial appointments must be guided by competence, integrity and a commitment to national service—not by financial inducements or expectations of private returns", the ADC- PCC stressed. The ADC-PCC, therefore, demands the following: 1. Immediate response from the President: President Tinubu should address the nation and clarify whether he is aware of the allegation, whether any investigation has been initiated and what steps his administration intends to take. 2. Clarification from Alwan Hassan: The spokesperson should publicly substantiate his reported claims by identifying the ministers allegedly involved, stating the amounts he alleged were paid and those who received the money. 3. Independent investigation: The appropriate law-enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), should examine every shred of evidence of financial inducements connected to ministerial appointments. Anyone found culpable should face the full consequences of the law. 1. National Assembly inquiry: The National Assembly should consider a transparent public inquiry into the allegation, including inviting Hassan to clarify his reported remarks and provide any supporting evidence available to him. The ADC-PCC stresses that these demands are not a substitute for evidence or due process. Rather, they are necessary steps to establish the facts, protect the integrity of public institutions and ensure that any wrongdoing is addressed in accordance with the law.