The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) responded to the statement released by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on October 7, regarding the seizure of $5.7 million in South Africa.

It would be recalled that the major opposition party on Tuesday accused the Nigerian authorities of embarrassing the country by covering the illegal operations allegedly connected with arms smuggling.

The party insisted that President Goodluck Jonathan owed explanation to Nigerians, after the two in a row confiscations of first $9.3m and then $5.7m by the South African officials.

The APC expressed shock over the fact that the federal government defended the illegal importation of cash, asking:

“And why are the movement of monies not transparently documented for what they really are, if they are truly for legitimate purposes?”

On the same day the PDP responded to their political opponents with a statement published by the Premium Times.

The ruling party ensured the APC that they were working hard to support Jonathan in his effort to protect Nigerians, the country’s territorial integrity and nation’s sovereignty, “especially in the light of their [APC's] connivance with foreign interests to embarrass the government and people of Nigeria”.

“We state categorically that the actions preferred by some foreign nations against our dear country as we seek solution to our security challenges are unacceptable and totally uncalled for, especially given our cordial relationship with them and the roles Nigeria and Nigerians citizens played in assisting them in their internal struggles.”

Reacting directly to the claims made by the opposition party, the PDP accused the APC of composing evil plans together with foreign rivals to harm Nigeria.

“Given the rush with which the APC attacked the presidency, it is clear that they are working hand in glove with foreign interests in a concerted effort to tarnish the image of our dear nation, ridicule our government and frustrate genuine efforts towards ending the insecurity challenges we face as a nation.”

According to the statement signed by PDP National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh, any “responsible opposition” interested in the prosperity of the country would focus on the solution rather than on playing politics.

The PDP questioned whether their political opponents were really interested in preserving the country or were just trying to destroy it.

“The APC is aptly likened to a quarrelsome wife, who daily goes to the market place to discuss her marital problems. We ask, does such a woman seek the unity or disintegration of her home? In the same vein Nigerians wonder if the APC is really interested in the unity and corporate existence of our nation. Are they trying to destroy our country as a means to achieve political control through the back door?”

The PDP concluded the statement with repeating the claim that the party supported the effort by Goodluck  Jonathan in finding the solution to Nigeria’s challenges.