The Nigerian Army yesterday absolved the Chief of Army Staff of any wrong doing under the previous administration where he was the Director of Procurement and the Defence Headquarters, headed by then Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.
According to the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai as the Director of Procurement never purchased weapons for the military, adding that, “Defence Procurement in Nigeria is decentralised; each Service is responsible for its procurement.”
A statement from the Army Spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman said General Buratai was Director of procurement between March 2014 and May 2015, noting that “the Chief of Army Staff has never been involved in any questionable act throughout his career as military officer let alone when he was at the DHQ.
“As a matter of fact, the Chief of Army Staff has always been a reference point in exemplary conduct, probity and integrity. It is on record that he voluntarily declared his assets both as Commander MNJTF and as Chief of Army Staff. In addition, he has directed all Nigerian Army officers to do so.
“One wonders what is the faceless group’s motive and why they are in a hurry to rubbish the good name of the Chief Army Staff and the Nigerian Army, when there is a Presidential Panel already working selflessly. Why is the group trying to jump the gun.”
The Army said it noted with dismay the attempt to rubbish the hard earned name and reputation of General Buratai and the force by “ a faceless group that called itself “Save the Nation Movement” (STNM) through orchestrated campaign of calumny in the media.”
The group had through its National Secretary Steven Chilaka, its “National Secretary” questioned why the General Buratai was not included among those indicted in the ongoing probe of abuse of funds meant for the procurement of arms, especially as he was the Director of Procurement at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
intentions they have against the Chief of Army Staff and indeed, the Nigerian Army, both would not be deterred, we shall remain focused and never to be distracted.
Consequently, the public is please requested to disregard the so called Movement’s evil machinations which would surely fall back on them.