Turaki-led PDP faction refutes Wike’s corruption allegations against Bode George

The Lagos state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Kabiru Turaki (SAN) has refuted an allegation made by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, that the former deputy national chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George, bought his property in Maitama, Abuja with proceeds of corruption.

Wike during his monthly media chat in Abuja, Tuesday alleged that the Abuja property occupied by the Lagos-based PDP leader was linked to funds from Rivers state, insisting that those who accuse others of corruption should also be willing to account for their own assets.

The PDP faction in a statement signed by its Lagos state publicity secretary, Dr. Christopher Odianarewo, said it is wrong for Wike to accuse a man exonerated of corruption  by the Supreme Court of being  corrupt.

For Wike to hypocritically label a man who was categorically exonerated by the Supreme Court, the highest court of the land, from all corrupt allegations during his tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Board. How does a supposedly “educated” public servant conveniently forget judicial verdicts?”

The party said, “any attempt to drag a cleared man through the mud shows that he is a thoroughly confused fellow who only respects the judiciary when rulings favour his selfish political survival,” the statement reads.

The PDP added that Wike’s reckless questioning of the ownership of Chief Bode George’s Abuja residence was a clear cut case of an affront and a dangerous abuse of office.

“Wike must be reminded that neither he nor Rivers state has any link whatsoever to Chief Olabode George’s private residence.

“Indeed, Wike’s penchant for overstepping boundaries and meddling where he has no business is well documented.

“Wike must understand that his ministerial portfolio is not a license to intimidate citizens or weaponise state power against private individuals,” the party said.