GEJ has declared assets - Metuh

The PDP spokesman also said that the party does not compel its members to publicly declare their assets

ARTICLE | JUNE 27, 2012 - 5:17AM | BY SHOLA AGBAJE

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), today, said that provisions compelling elected officials to publicly declare their assets are non-existent in its approved manifesto or in any of the official documents of the party.

In a swift reaction to what he called, “misleading headlines in a section of the media” purporting that President Goodluck Jonathan has violated sections of the party’s manifesto by not publishing his declaration of assets, the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said reference to the PDP manifesto is baseless.

He pointed out that the said document which formed the basis of the report is not an official document of the PDP and, hence, cannot be used to tarnish the well-earned reputation of President Jonathan.

“In order to set the records straight, we wish to state that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has duly declared his asset in compliance with the provisions of section 140(1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He has completed the relevant documentations and submitted same to the Code of Conduct Bureau. It is important to note that there is no further legal requirement in this regard as it concerns the declaration of assets.

“In other words, publishing the declaration of assets is not a requirement of law or the constitution. Any decision to make public such a declaration is at the discretion of the individual concerned and should therefore not be used as a reason to distract the government from performing more critical constitutional duties.

“The PDP can attest to the high degree of integrity and transparency of President Jonathan. We urge him to remain focused on the great task of revamping the economy and delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians. The task of transforming Nigeria into one of the most vibrant economies in the world requires the cooperation of all Nigerians. The President must therefore not be distracted by issues that have no bearing on the fundamental needs of the nation,” he said.