Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has recently defended the ongoing investigations into former officials of the National Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, despite rising concerns from opposition parties.
Speaking on TV3’s New Day, Muslim emphasized that the government is strictly adhering to due process as it seeks accountability from the previous administration.
Muslim, who stated that she had not yet received a full briefing on the matter, assured the public that investigations were continuing. “There are persons of interest who will be invited to assist with the investigation process,” she explained.
She clarified that gathering information may include various methods, one of which is visiting the residences of individuals identified as key players in the investigation.
This process, she argued, is a standard procedure for investigations of this nature, as authorities often need to gather relevant details directly from individuals involved.
Her comments come amid growing criticism from opposition parties, who have accused the government of using the investigations as a means of political persecution.
Opposition members argue that the timing of the investigations, which have intensified since the current government came to power, appears to target political opponents rather than pursue genuine legal accountability.
Furthermore, they suggest that the focus on former NPP officials raises concerns about the government using its power to settle political scores rather than uphold the law impartially.
However, Muslim dismissed these accusations, attributing them to deliberate attempts by the opposition to distort the narrative. According to her, the opposition is simply trying to maintain influence and obstruct the government’s efforts to hold the previous administration accountable.
“The minority will always position themselves against any action the government takes to audit and demand accountability from the outgoing administration,” she said, adding that such reactions are often exaggerated and misrepresented.
Muslim referred to these claims as “misplaced propaganda and mischief,” which she believes are part of a broader strategy to challenge the government’s legitimacy.
From the government’s perspective, these investigations are seen as crucial to addressing any potential corruption or mismanagement that occurred during the previous administration.
Many believe that transparency and accountability are essential in ensuring the country’s political and financial integrity. Supporters of the investigation argue that every administration has a duty to investigate the actions of previous governments, especially when there are credible allegations of wrongdoing.
Moreover, they point out that the use of investigatory tools, including visiting homes of individuals of interest, is an established practice in ensuring that all potential leads are followed up on in the pursuit of truth.
However, the opposition’s criticism carries weight as well. They question whether the government is truly prioritizing accountability or if the investigations are merely a tactic to weaken political adversaries ahead of upcoming elections.
The opposition also argues that the public perception of these raids and arrests could damage the integrity of the current administration if they appear to be driven by political motivations rather than legitimate legal concerns.
Furthermore, there is a fear that these actions could set a precedent for future administrations to use investigations as a tool for political retaliation, creating an atmosphere of distrust and division within the political landscape.
Despite the opposition’s pushback, Muslim made it clear that the government’s stance remains firm on following due process in all investigations. “It is their grand agenda,” she said, further emphasizing that the government is committed to transparency and accountability.
Her insistence on due process suggests that the government is trying to ensure that no one, regardless of political affiliation, is above the law. This focus on legal procedure could ultimately help mitigate concerns about political persecution if the investigations are perceived as fair and unbiased.
As the situation unfolds, the question remains: Is Shamima Muslim right to defend the government’s investigation of former NPP officials, or are the opposition’s concerns about political persecution valid?
The government’s stance on accountability and transparency can be seen as legitimate, especially if they are adhering to due process and using standard investigative methods. If the allegations of corruption or mismanagement are valid, then pursuing investigations into former officials is in line with upholding the rule of law.
Additionally, the argument that the opposition is distorting the narrative could hold weight if their criticism is driven by political motives rather than genuine concerns over due process.
On the other hand, the timing and scope of the investigations could raise suspicions. If the government is only targeting former NPP officials and not officials from the previous administration of the same ruling party, this could be seen as politically motivated.
Furthermore, accusations of political persecution are serious, and if the public perceives these actions as retaliation rather than legitimate legal inquiries, it could undermine the government’s credibility.
If the investigations appear to be selective or aimed at silencing opposition figures, it could damage the integrity of the government’s efforts and raise doubts about their commitment to impartial justice.
Only time will tell if the government’s actions will lead to greater accountability or if they will be seen as an attempt to undermine political opponents.
