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Why DSS Invited Me, Oshiomhole (pic)

Adams Oshiomhole, the national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has stated why the Department of State Service (DSS) invited him for questionings.

There were reports that Mr Oshiomhole was picked up by operatives of the DSS earlier in the week. The reports said the APC chairman was asked to step down from office.

The former Edo governor was also reported to have jetted out of the country due to intense pressure from the security outfit and some state governors of his party who are currently engaged in a show of strength with him.

Oshiomhole while reacting to the report on Saturday said he went to the United States to see his wife and thereafter headed for the United Kingdom to meet with Bola Tinubu, a chieftain of the ruling party, dismissing insinuations that he has been scheduled to meet again with the DSS.

Addressing selected reporters in Lagos, the former governor dismissed reports of his arrest saying he went to the DSS after being invited to turn himself in.

He said his summon has to do with party primaries of the APC querying if the DSS has the right to obstruct the affairs of a political party.

“Our conversation centered around APC primaries,” Oshiomhole said.

He also denied insinuations that the query centered round corruption allegations thrown at him when he held sway as governor.

“The question now is whether or not it is the DSS job to interfere in a political party’s issues. And if there’s an allegation of corruption, it is the responsibility of EFCC and ICPC,” he added.

Oshiomhole continued , “Yes, I was at their office. Yes, we had a conversation on some matters arising from the primaries of our great party, the APC. Yes, they wanted me to shed some light on some issues. There is absolutely nothing wrong in that as the national chairman of the ruling party. I’ve read so many things in the newspapers about what transpired. But I can tell you there is nothing to it.”

Oshiomhole denied being let off on administrative bail, adding that Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, did not come to the DSS office to facilitate his freedom.

“I was the one who called Yahaya Bello and he came but I drove home in my own car,” he added.

Oshiomhole dismissed the reported allegations of corruption or inducement by some party members.

He said, “Let me tell you, I’ve heard some people talk about bribe and Imo State. I’ve looked round and I’m asking myself, who, in Imo State can afford to bribe me?

“Ordinarily, I should be protective of the person in power who should have the resources to dole out something. But I’m standing on principle so that cannot happen and that did not happen. So, who is it in Imo that can induce me?”

On Imo State, Oshiomhole said there was no way the dynastic enclave being proposed by Governor Rochas Okorocha would be allowed to stand.

“Let’s even agree that Okorocha ends up having his way even in a managed ‘process’, how do you think Nigerians would view such a situation where his sister, his in-laws and in-law to be would all be in government,” he said.

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