Political Briefs
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THE federal government is beaming its searchlight on the procurement of arms and ammunition for the Nigerian military under the previous administration of late Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan. President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, August 24, set up a 13-member panel to probe the two administrations. .
The committee was mandated to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the Armed Forces.
The committee, which was constituted by Babagana Monguno, a retired major general and national security adviser, on the directive of the president, is headed by J.O.N. Ode, a retired air vice marshal; while Y. I. Shalangwa, a retired brigadier general, is secretary.
Other members are Rear Admiral J. A. Aikhomu, a retired rear admiral; E. Ogbor, a retired rear admiral; L. Adekagun, a retired brigadier general; M. Aminu-Kano, retired brigadier general; N. Rimtip, a retired brigadier general; T. D. Ikoli, a retired commodore; U. Mohammed, a retired air commodore; I. Shafi’i, air commodore; A. A. Ariyibi, a retired colonel; C.A. Oriaku, a retired group captain and I. Magu, an employee of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
A statement from Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, said: “the establishment of the investigative committee is in keeping with President Buhari’s determination to stamp out corruption and irregularities in Nigeria’s public service.
“It comes against the background of the myriad of challenges that the Nigerian Armed Forces have faced in the course of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the northeast, including the apparent deficit in military platforms with its attendant negative effects on troops’ morale.
“The committee will specifically investigate allegations of non-adherence to correct equipment procurement procedures and the exclusion of relevant logistics branches from arms procurement under past administrations, which, very often resulted in the acquisition of sub-standard and unserviceable equipment.”
— Sep 7, 2015 @ 01:00 GMT
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