Former political office holders under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan have described as unwarranted, the allegations of poor performance and corruption levelled against the administration by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and President Muhammadu Buhari.
The ex-ministers, in a statement issued on their behalf on Sunday by one-time Minister of National Planning, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman, said they have watched with increasing alarm and concern the concerted effort by the Buhari administration and members of the APC “to condemn, ridicule and undermine the efforts of that administration, in addition to impugning the integrity of its individual members.”
They explained that contrary to what the APC and its agents would rather have Nigerians believe, the Jonathan administration did not encourage corruption, rather he vigorously tackled the scourge within the context of the rule of law and due process.
“For the benefit of those who may have forgotten so soon, it was the Jonathan administration that got rid of the fraud in fertilizer subsidies, which had plagued the country for decades. This helped to unleash a revolution in agricultural production and productivity.
“We, the Ministers who served under the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration, have watched with increasing alarm and concern the concerted effort by the Buhari administration and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to condemn, ridicule and undermine the efforts of that administration, in addition to impugning the integrity of its individual members
“While we concede that every administration has the right to chart its own path as it deems fit, we nevertheless consider the vilification of the Jonathan administration to be ill-intentioned, unduly partisan, and in bad faith.
“The effort that has been made to portray each and every member of the Jonathan administration as corrupt and irresponsible, in an orchestrated and vicious trial by media, has created a lynch mentality that discredits our honest contributions to the growth and development of our beloved nation.
“We are proud to have served Nigeria and we boldly affirm that we did so diligently and to the best of our abilities. The improvements that have been noticed today in the power sector, in national security, and in social services and other sectors did not occur overnight. They are products of solid foundations laid by the same Jonathan administration.
“The various lies and fabrications being peddled by some self-appointed spokespersons of the administration may entertain the unwary, but such sensationalism may achieve the unintended effect of de-marketing our country within the international community.
“All such persons playing to the gallery for whatever gains should be called to order. The name-calling of members of the Jonathan administration and the trial by news media should also stop.
“We encourage President Buhari to continue with the probes, but this must be in strict accordance with his oath of office to treat all Nigerians equally and with the fear of God,” the statement said.
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