Sack Buratai if you want us to believe in your anti-corruption war - Group tells Buhari

The Conference of Nigerian Civil Rights Activists (CNCRA) has described the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai as “a square peg in a round hole” over his ownership of two properties in Dubai.

The CNCRA, in a statement released by its Convener, Ifeanyi Odili, in Abuja on Tuesday, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately deal with Buratai before the recent revelation of his Dubai properties kills the credibility of the anti-corruption war of the current administration.

According to the group, unless Buratai is relieved of his duties as Army boss, the corruption fight of the current administration would always be in doubt.

“The recent revelation of the procurement of properties in Dubai by the COAS as published by SaharaReporter on June 25, 2016, which was subsequently denied by the Army spokesman, is a dent on the integrity of the Buhari’s administration.

“The Buhari administration has been showcasing anti-graft posture and the massacre of hundreds of Nigerians in Zaria is in contrast to democratic ethos and norms.

“According to SaharaReporters, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, and his two wives are joint owners of Dubai properties worth of $1.5m that was paid for in one transaction.

“The report indicated that the money for the purchase of the property might have come from a vehicle contract scam while Mr. Buratai was the Director of Procurement at the Army HQ.

“The allegation that General Buratai might have pilfered funds meant for the purchase of military vehicles has sparked outrage among soldiers and officers, especially those from the North-East of the country.”

The group also directed the president to instil discipline within the ranks of the army by ending impunity.

“Discipline and preparedness of military officers and men should be a topmost priority in the system. It must be strictly adhered to and the primary purpose of the Nigerian military, which is to defend the nation from external aggression.

“The realisation of this function primarily entails the preservation of the territory, people, culture and the national security as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution of 1999.

“A democratic society requires a citizen army and the deviants; sadists and thugs within the armed forces should be identified, penalised and flushed out.”

Furthermore, the group asked the military to sincerely investigate the many complaints of violation of humans rights instead of the blatant denials it has always issued.

“It is therefore sad to note that Buratai, who is conversant with the above facts, negates the spirit of military profession and embarked on killing of harmless civilians in Zaria between December 12 and 14, 2015.”

“Drawing from the above, the CNCRA called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, relieve Buratai of his position and commence full scale investigation into the killings as mentioned above.”

“It is only if the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission looks into corruption allegation levelled against him (Buratai) that the Buhari administration would want to have us believe in his change mantra and war against corruption and indiscipline in Nigeria.”