DA wants answers - now

2003-06-01 21:56

Cape Town - President Thabo Mbeki is facing an ultimatum from the Democratic Alliance to release information about a controversial Nigerian oil deal.

The DA said that if Mbeki did not release the documentation by 14:00 on Monday, it would invoke the Access to Information Act.

The DA is also expected to put an urgent question to Mbeki about the issue in parliament on Monday.

On Friday the Mail and Guardian alleged that the government was involved in an irregular oil deal with Nigeria.

DA spokesperson Ian Davidson said on Sunday although the allegations were, at this stage, based only on prima facie evidence, the issue was now in the public domain.

He said job-creating investment hinged on sentiment and the revelations in the newspaper had cast a shadow over the country's image and good reputation.

"President Mbeki must act immediately to defend South Africa's image by releasing the documentation relating to this deal.

"If the allegations are baseless and he can provide objective evidence to prove that, then he must provide that evidence. If there is fraud or corruption, then heads must roll and the president must account."

Meanwhile, United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa reiterated his call for the appointment of a judicial commission.

"If he (Mbeki) doesn't want to appoint a judicial commission of inquiry then he should do the honourable thing and step down," Holomisa said on Sunday.

He said that when Minerals and Energy Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka announced the deal in August 1999, there was a legitimate expectation on the part of South Africans that it would benefit the country.

Had it not involved Mbeki's inner circle, "we would have seen the Scorpions and police being sent to investigate them".

Holomisa said the DA's question to Mbeki on Monday would not take the matter any further.

"It will just be a talk shop," he said.

On Saturday, the government rejected the report saying the allegations were "ridiculous as they are devoid of any truth.

- SAPA