Northern Ethnic Groups Assembly (NEYGA) have demanded immediate release of the Arms Probe Panel Report and warns against selective implementation of AVM J.O.N. Ode (rtd.) panel recommendations without further delay which covers arms deals of the armed forces from 2007 to 2015.
The groups frowned against selective implementation and avoiding the main culprits of the fraud.
The delays is becoming questionable and that the activities of the presidential committee on audit of defence equipment procurement from 2007 to 2015 shouldn’t be treated or seen as a witch-hunt where some ruling party members are treated as untouchable or secret cows as Northern region which is the most affected region is eager and interested in knowing those behind the atrocities resulting in loss of many lives and properties.
The groups also want all those who are culpable including National Security Adviser Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno Rtd who was alleged to have had his hands soiled in the alleged fraud when he was the chief of defense intelligence to account for their misdeeds or actions.
At a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, Spokesperson for the umbrella body, Mr Ibrahim Dan-Musa, said the call became necessary and demands accountability from government to the governed. It’s sad that the the investigative committee’s core mandate which was to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the Armed Forces and those involved in malpractices to be brought to book.
It’s however sad that the report and its valid content had been hijacked by National Security Adviser as revealed by late Rear Admiral J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.) before his demise.
It’s unfortunately and unacceptable that the presidency is quite on this and the affected region will do everything within its power to ensure the corrupt officers account for their sins.
The probe panel was headed by AVM J.O.N. Ode (rtd.) as the President with the following members; Late Rear Adm J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.) – Member, R/Adm E. Ogbor (rtd.), Brig Gen L. Adekagun (rtd.),Brig Gen M. Aminu-Kano (rtd.),Brig Gen N. Rimtip (rtd.),Cdre T.D. Ikoli , Air Cdre U. Mohammed (rtd.), Air Cdre I. Shafi’i, Col A.A. Ariyibi, Gp Capt C.A. Oriaku (rtd.), Mr. Ibrahim Magu with Brig Gen Y.I. Shalangwa as the Secretary.
It is common knowledge that the 13-member Presidential Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement from 2007 to 2015 did a good job in-line with their mandate.
Mr Ibrahim Dan-Musa said it is worthy of note to highlight that the mandate given to the Presidential Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement from 2007 to 2015 was primarily to bring to justice those that committed crimes against the Nigerian people by mismanaging billions of Naira meant for the purchase of arms and ammunitions to help in the fight against terrorism in North East but unfortunately the NSA Monguno who is also from the Borno State is the one frustrating this effort.
Even though for over seven years now the NSA hasn’t step his feet in his own Monguno village for fear of Boko Haram. The number of times Monguno visited his own house in his private resident in the USA is more than the number of times he visited his own hometown in Borno state. He has completed arrangements to run out of the country immediately he hands over to his successor.
Mongonu will do everything ungodly not to handover to any person despite his colossal failure in the maintenance of security of Nigeria.