Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant
General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has asked
all officers of the Nigerian Army who
have not declared their assets to do so
immediately.
A statement released today by military
spokesman, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman,
revealed that General Buratai "gave the directive
today during a conference with Principal Staff
Officers and Directors serving at the Army
Headquarters."
The Nigerian Armed Forces have been in the
spotlight after an audit ordered by President
Muhammadu Buhari found that numerous retired
and serving military officers may have colluded
in billions of dollars worth of weapons
procurement deals. Mr. Buhari asked the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) to commence investigation of the
officers.
Colonel Usman's statement disclosed that the
Chief of Army Staff had declared his own assets
shortly after his "appointment as Commander,
Multinational Joint Task Force in May 2015 and
also on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff
in July 2015." He revealed that copies of both
declarations were with the Code of Conduct
Bureau.
According to the press statement, the directive to
officers to declare their assets was justified
owing to the fact all military officers "are public
servants, as well as subject to both civil and
military laws."
Colonel Usman added that the order to officers
to declare their assets was in keeping with "the
current drive of the country for probity and
accountability." He wrote, "the Nigerian Army
should not only key in but should be one of the
key drivers for such laudable project."
Sahara reporters!
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