PDP Leaders Panic Over Arms Deal

With the arrest of some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by officials of Department of State Service (DSS) the development is said to be causing panic within the leadership of the party.

The DSS on Tuesday, arrested former National Security Advise (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa and Chairman emeritus of Daar Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi in connection with $2 billion meant for purchase arms by the immediate past administration.

Dokpesi who was accused of collecting N2.1 billion, allegedly admitted same in a statement, but said it was meant for “publicity and media political campaigns based on contractual obligations/agreement.”

PDP had immediately condemned Dokpesi’s arrest, and said it has been made aware that “more notable PDP leaders have similarly been listed for arrest over unproven allegations” as a plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government to cow and silence opposition in the country.

Party source however, disclosed that fear has gripped some PDP chieftains ‎since the arrests were made.

According to the source, every money collected from NSA office is traceable because the “person will be made to sign for it. The amount is the stated and the purpose for which it is meant for. So it can be traced easily,” he said.

He said he has advised most of his colleagues to be ready for arrest‎ anytime.

“I advised that we should be mindful how we speak because it will look like PDP is defending corruption.

“Crisis is not good for the party. The (Sambo) Dasuki issue is taking another dimension. Before now it was attracting some sympathy but the way it is going, many people are having a rethink. He is our member, and people will think the money was used for campaign.”

It was gathered that the issue was extensively discussed at National Working Committee (NWC) meeting on Wednesday.

PDP Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus held a close door meeting with management staff‎ immediately after the NWC meeting.

The meeting might not be unconnected with the recent clamp down on some chieftains of the party by security operatives.

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