By Job Osazuwa
National leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu has distanced himself from reports he conspired with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) to destroy the Senate.
A statement issued by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, described a recent story in one of the national dailies (not The Sun) accusing Tinubu of plotting to tear down the Senate as false and deceptive.
He said Tinubu, who is a former senator, has special affection for the Senate and would not belittle the institution or members of that institution who are in the opposing party.
He added that the APC national leader’s brand of politics was not by engaging in wanton character and personal attacks, but maintained that it was driven by his policy views.
According to the statement, Tinubu will gladly wrestle against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on substantive political differences but not to engage in personal assault, rumor-mongering and mudslinging. It pointed out that there were other serious issues over which to grapple the PDP.
“We categorically deny any hand in any negative personal report on any Senator.
The newspaper claimed in the report “PDP caucus accuses Tinubu, EFCC of conspiracy to destroy Senate,” and that the former Lagos state governor, in concert with the EFCC, has instigated media attacks against the caucus.
“The story is such an outright fabrication that it claims the PDP senators held a special meeting to discuss Tinubu. However, PDP senators claim no such meeting was ever held and that they hold no special animus toward Tinubu. We are usually not in the position of agreement with PDP members but on this rare occasion, we have no contention with them.
“Some malefactors want to use the name of Tinubu to stir opposition in the Senate to the confirmation of Magu as EFCC chairman. By trying to paint Magu as Tinubu’s partner in mudslinging, the false story seeks to induce senators to oppose Magu as a way of thwarting Tinubu.
“The fight against corruption is a cardinal battle this nation must win or forever forego its greater destiny. Despite the importance of this matter, someone is trying to exalt his narrow personal interests above the long-term interests of the nation,” the statement noted.