NDDC: Presidency Blasts TUC, Others Planning Protests Against Buhari

The presidency has slammed the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over an alleged plan to stage a nationwide protest against President Muhammadu Buhari.

The protest is reportedly to call attention to the perceived inaction of President Buhari over some revelations of alleged fraudulent activities in some government agencies as well as by some government officials and political appointees.

Naija News recalls the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are some prominent government establishments that have recently come under the spotlight over alleged massive corruption and fraudulent activities been perpetrated within them.

The presidency in a statement on Monday evening by Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, condemned the reported plan by the TUC to stage a nationwide protest.

The statement noted that the planned protest is ill-advised as the President is not someone that will rush to action or punish alleged offenders without concrete evidence.

“The reported plan by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to embark on a nationwide protest over the alleged President Buhari’s “inaction over the high-level of corruption uncovered at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)” is ill advised and totally uncalled for, considering that there are ongoing investigations in the cases by both the Executive and Legislative arms of government,” Shehu noted.

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 statement added that as earlier promised by Buhari, all those who will be found guilty once investigations are completed will be made to face the law.

“The President has made it clear that the allegations that have surfaced clearly “constitute a breach of trust” and as the investigations take hold and close out, all those found wanting will face the wrath of the law.”

“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.”

Garba also used the occasion to reiterate the commitment of President Buhari to the fight against corruption, while calling for all hands to be on deck to win the anti-corruption war.

“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.”