TheCable

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the United Kingdom not to shield Kemi Adeosun, embattled ex-minister of finance, from prosecution.

Adeosun, who resigned after admitting that her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate was forged, is said to have departed to the UK.

In her resignation letter, Adeosun said she did not know the certificate was falsified as she relied on associates to obtain it after she returned to the country from the United Kingdom where she studied.

She reportedly returned to the UK after the incident.

In a statement Monday, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP spokesman, said the minister should be prosecuted for the offence.

“The PDP further notes that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in congratulating Adeosun, even after she had admitted her culpability on issues of forgery and corrupt practices, has further showcased APC as a party of corruption; an iniquitous fold, where thieves receive medals instead of condemnation,” he said.

“There are clear evidences that Adeosun could not have circumvented the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), National Security Adviser (NSA) the Police and even the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) without the tacit approval of the Buhari Presidency.

“Furthermore, how did Adeosun evade checks by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abeokuta and the Ogun State House of Assembly for clearance as commissioner, with her status as a dual citizen, if not armed with inherent tendencies for fraud? It is clear that the Buhari Presidency exploited this factor to swindle the nation, in the finance ministry?

“Finally, the PDP calls on the international community, particularly, the British Government, not to shield Adeosun from facing the course of justice. The PDP urges the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, to note that Adesoun has already confessed to a fraud in Nigeria and must not be allowed a shelter in her nation.”

Buhari reportedly ordered investigation into the incident, although findings of the report are yet to be disclosed.