The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has called on the new Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Ibrahim Attahiru, to summon the immediate past COAS, Tukur Buratai, to account for the whereabout of the $1 billion arms procurement funds, which was approved to buy weapons to fight boko haram terrorists and other insurgents in the country, about 4 years ago, Page 36 learnt.
Speaking during a recent interview on Channels Television, the Governor asked President Muhammadu Buhari to hold Officials accountable for their actions.
Recall, that the National Economic Council, NEC, had on December 15, 2017, agreed to utilise $1 billion from Nigeria’s Excess Crude Account, ECA, to tackle the insecurity in the country.
The meeting which was chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, had the 36 State Governors in attendance, and it came as the State Governors pledged to support the Federal Government to rid the North-East of insurgents.
Four years after, several questions have been raised by many, including Governor Wike, regarding the purchase of the equipment, especially as insecurity in the country has drastically worsened since then.
Governor Wike said: “I remember there was a time when $1 billion was taken from the Excess Crude Account to provide for security. Where is the equipment that we bought.
“If I should release that money as the Chief Security Officer, knowing how Nigeria is, I will make sure that those weapons and the right ones were bought.”
“I was surprised when I was watching the television when the House of Representatives invited the Chief of Army Staff about the purchase of weapons and he said ‘look, you know the right people to ask’.
“You have to take Leadership. Even if those who were at the helms of affairs of security, the onus is on you, you can still summon them back.”
Recall, that President Muhammadu Buhari has refused to comment or take any action regarding the alleged missing $1 arms procurement funds, but rather appointed the former COAS as an Ambassador, upon his resignation as COAS, some months ago.
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