Presidency denies ‘last minute looting’ allegation

The presidency has denied the allegations by Alhaji Lai Mohammed , the spokesperson

of the of the All Progressives Congress, APC, that officials of the Federal Government are engaged in “last minute looting of the nation’s resources”.

In a statement issued on Monday by Dr. Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan, maintained that the presidency deeply regret the unfairness and combative frame of mind reflected in Alhaji Mohammed’s statement. He said that the Jonathan administration will continue to do its best to ensure a smooth and peaceful handover of power to the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, stressing that the outcome of the March 28 presidential election does not imply a cessation of governance.

Denying the allegations by Mohammed, he said: “We have noted with concern, the allegation by the spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, that officials of the Federal Government are engaged in “last minute looting of the nation’s resources, rushed privatization of key institutions and hurried recruitment into the public service.

“We also consider as most unfortunate and uncharitable, the suggestion by Alhaji Mohammed that the Jonathan administration is trying to “tie the hands” of the incoming government merely by continuing to discharge its constitutional responsibilities until the end of its tenure.

“The Jonathan administration which continues to do its best to ensure a smooth and peaceful handover over of power to the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, deeply regrets the unfairness and combative frame of mind reflected in Alhaji Mohammed’s statement.”

According to him, President Jonathan has done his best in the past five years to discharge his constitutional responsibilities for good governance and effective leadership of the nation.

“Without any prejudice whatsoever to the freedom of the incoming administration to do as it pleases, within the confines of extant laws when it assumes office, the Jonathan administration will continue to discharge its responsibility to govern until May 29, 2015.”

“In continuing to fulfil the obligations of his office however, President Jonathan has not, and will never condone any form of unscrupulous conduct on the part of state officials,” he added.