A former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, on Thursday denounced attacks targeted at the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Metuh who challenged reports accusing Gbajabiamila of a N10bn misallocation for the renovation of his residence, labelled them as a deliberate attempt to “vilify and tarnish the image of the Chief of Staff.”
“It is indeed alarming that our democracy has descended to the realm of gossips, lies and outright falsehood machinated by anti-democratic forces,” Metuh asserted, stressing the negative impact of misinformation on the nation’s political climate.
The former opposition spokesman who said he is “not holding brief for any interest,” reiterated his stance as a “non-partisan advocate for the deepening of participatory democracy.
He also underscored the necessity for political discourse to be “guided by the demands of truth, justice and patriotism at all times.”
Sharing from past personal episodes, Metuh stated, “Having suffered from one of the worst media trial and persecution, albeit State-sponsored, I know what it means to be confronted with a web of lies built on conspiracy.”
He recalled his past political differences with Gbajabiamila yet acknowledged the latter’s background and the President’s trust in his Chief of Staff, noting that “Just a few weeks ago, Mr President himself made a clear confirmation of confidence on his Chief of staff.”
Addressing the destructive nature of the allegations, Metuh criticised the current “style of pull-him-down politics” which he believes “does not add any value to nation building.”
Therefore, he warned that embracing such engagement, especially by the youth, could “ultimately destroy our democracy.”
Metuh harped on the importance of factual opposition and the offering of alternatives, as exemplified by the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi.
He then called for unity and progress, saying, “I strongly believe that this is the time for all Nigerians, irrespective of partisan affiliation to embrace best practices in participatory democracy.”
The former PDP helmsman urged officials to be a reassuring presence to the public, emphasising the need for intensified efforts and accountability, before concluding with a plea for political respite.
Credit- punch
