The opposition party Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is against the withdrawal of $1 billion from the Excess Crude Oil account by the Federal Government to tackle insecurity.
The PDP is of the view that local governments are vehemently opposed to the unilateral withdrawal of the said amount under any guise.
A statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Mr Uche Secondus and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Mr Ayo Fayose, it says, “We want to state unequivocally that neither the Governors’ Forum nor the Federal Executive Council has the power of appropriation of Federation Accounts, as such powers reside with the National and State Assemblies.
In the recent killings, the statement condemns the violent killings carried out by suspected herdsmen.
This is comings two weeks after former President Olusegun Obasanjo advised President Buhari not to seek re-election for another term of four years.
“We strongly condemn the unabated killings across the country. The President must take responsibility for the protection of lives and property of Nigerians which is the most important of his responsibilities,” Secondus said.
“We believe that the Federal Government’s decision to set up a Committee to address the issues of herdsmen killings is a pretentious approach to a matter that requires firm action and leadership by the President in line with his oath of office to protect all Nigerians irrespective of creed, tribe and political affiliation.”
According to the party, neither the Governors’ Forum nor the Federal Executive Council has the power of appropriation of Federation Accounts; as such powers reside with the National and State Assemblies.
In the fight against corruption, the party leaders are appealing to the President to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to adhere to the Rule of Law by obeying Court judgements.
One of such, the party cited, is an order involving the Ekiti State Government against EFCC and restrain itself from further political intimidation and harassment of known or perceived political opponents.
The party also accused the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) paying lip service to a matter of restructuring.
