The Conference of Nigerian Civil Rights Activists, on Tuesday, called for the dismissal of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, over alleged ownership of two assets in Dubai.
The CNCRA made it clear that retaining Buratai is tantamount to soiling the current anti-corruption crusade of the incumbent administration.
They described him as a square peg in a round hole. According to the statement made by the group through its Convener, Mr. Ifeanyi Odili, in Abuja.
“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 urged Buhari to use his position to bring to an end any form of impunity among the officers.
Also, a Second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed has advised Buratai to step aside until proper investigation is done.
“General Buratai should step aside for proper investigations to be carried out because his remaining in office will jeopardise investigations, especially at a time the army he heads has come out to defend him.”
Meanwhile Buratai who debunked the allegation said those behind the report are defeated Boko Haram terrorists , who have migrated to the cyberspace to continue their war.
