Protesters on Wednesday stormed the headquarters of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja, demanding an investigation into allegations of bribery levelled against national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, during the recently concluded nationwide primaries of the party.
Led by Barr. Stanley Onu under the auspices of Coalition for a New Nigeria (CNN), the protesters said the action was in their quest to stop the dangers faced by the party.
They were seen with placards carrying several inscriptions such as “Oshiomhole must go” and “Probe Oshiomhole now”.
According to them, APC is in serious crisis following the most divisive and widely condemned primaries across the states.
Speaking further, the leader of the protesters said APC under Oshiomhole is no longer the party it used to be, calling on anti-corruption agencies to probe him.
“Today, the APC which was gaining grounds and welcoming new members is far from the all-embracing party it was when Mr Oshiomhole took over as national chairman.
“Given the various allegations of corruption by respected chieftains and members of the APC, we are here calling on the various anti-corruption agencies to begin a comprehensive probe of not only these allegations but his time as the governor of Edo State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we are well aware that Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to commence criminal proceedings against Mr Oshiomhole for allegedly diverting state funds into personal use.
“Therefore, it is expedient that a man that has corruption noose around his neck is not the fit and proper person to lead a party that has President Muhammadu Buhari, a man known globally for his anti-corruption stance, to remain in office.”
Onu added that Oshiomhole should tread the path of honour by voluntarily resigning from his position.
“We demand that Mr Oshiomhole resigns owing to the plethora of allegations against him leading to even the DSS inviting him and demanding for his resignation.
“In the event that Mr Oshiomhole chooses to tread the path of the little honour left of him, we urge President Buhari to ask him to leave before he leads the APC down the path of ignominy in 2019,” Onu stated.
Addressing the protesters, ICPC spokesperson, Rasheedat Okoduwa, affirmed the impartiality of the ICPC, stressing that the commission would look into all petitions before it, giving precedence to the time of filing.
She urged the protesters to remain peaceful and allow the petitions go through the various stages as put in place by the commission.
