Abuja — The Peoples' Democratic Party said yesterday that due deference to the rule of law and its compliance with the its zero tolerance policy on corruption explained why a court in Lagos last week jailed its immediate past Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George.

The ruling party said the convict reserved the right to appeal the judgement, noting, however, that the present government had made it clear that there shall be no sacred cows in the determination to ensure accountability in government.

According to a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, the party said, "Since his assumption of office in 2007, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has consistently made it clear that his administration shall have a zero tolerance policy on corruption. He has also made it clear that there shall be no sacred cows in his administration to ensure accountability in government

"This is why he has always emphasised government's commitment to due process and the rule of law as the cardinal principles of his administration.

"As a party, we shall continue to emphasise our deep commitment to supporting and defending the independence of the judiciary and we shall continue to be in the forefront for advancing and promoting the civil liberties of all Nigerians.

"We also wish to state that Chief Olabode George and the others reserve the right to appeal this judgement just like every other Nigerian and they must not be denied this right for the simple reason that they are involved in politics."

The party, however, said that it found it strange that some critics were still unwilling to give credit to the Federal Government under President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, even when significant milestones have been achieved and are glaring for all to see.

"We are particularly disturbed by the insincerity and hypocrisy of some former government officials whose duty is to bring erring officials to book, but who at the time failed to do so only to turn round today and claim credit for decisions they have no hand in at all.

"While the party has observed with amusement recent activities, the party finds it amusing that some politicians have taken advantage of this judgement to cast aspersions on the party as if it was not the PDP government that has provided the enabling environment for the independence of the judiciary.

"Rather than engage idle politicians who have no fresh ideas to offer on the direction of our country, we shall continue to stick to our principles of allowing every judicial process run full circle".

Speaking on the long queues at fuelling stations, Alkali noted that it was mainly an administrative issue. He said necessary steps are being taken to solve the problem as all hands are on deck.

He also noted that since Yar'Adua's assumption of office such fuel shortages have not been very rampant like in the past.

He hinted that the party hierarchy may invite the Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, to come and explain the situation.

In his reaction to the sale of nomination forms for gubernatorial election in Osun State, he said he was not aware that forms were being sold in the state.

He noted that those that had bought tickets did so at their own risk. While admitting that the party was aware of reports of such sales, Alkali said that investigation was still ongoing in the matter and that action would soon be taken. He advised those that have bought such tickets to go for a refund of their money.