BY DAUD OLATUNJI
ABEOKUTA—The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State,  has opened up over the trial of former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, saying he should be sentenced if he is found guilty for the charges.

The party, which had  kept  a sealed lips since Daniel was arrested by officials of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday broke its silence, describing it  as  an allegation, that needed to be proved .

The Secretary of the party in the state,  Adepegba  Otemolu ,  who spoke  with   journalists  in his office in Abeokuta, cautioned the officials of the EFCC  on what he called,  media interference in the matter, saying that the commission should not give an impression that an accused   person is  guilty once he has not  been convicted by court of jurisdiction.

Daniel is facing  a16-count charge  for   alleged stealing and fraudulent diversion of public funds while he held   sway as governor of the state between 2003 and 2011.

According to Otemolu “ it  is an allegation that has not been proved. But, if  is  proved and investigated to be fraudulent, nobody can assist him. But, since, it is an allegation, we will wait until it is proved” he said.

While cautioning the approach adopted by the EFCC in the prosecution of  its case, the party spokesman  said   “EFCC can investigate anybody, but we are yet to let our people know. I am   a strong believer  of  learning , being  a long process.

“They still have to let our` people know  that  once somebody  is invited by EFCC, you don’t just  start  accusing  the person or making people have the belief that such a`  person have committed the

offence as alleged.

“ As far as   I am concerned, EFCC can arrest anybody, if  the person is proved  to be innocent, he  should be freed, and if he is guilty he should be prosecuted” he said.

While speaking on the recent judgement at the tribunal which did not favour  his party, Otemolu said “Judiciary in Nigeria has been known to be independent, so, blessed be the judgement from the judiciary.

The  party chieftain also said the PDP has assessed the government of  the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, led  government, describing  the performance as being below  standard.