Two pro-democracy non-governmental organisations, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and Association of African Writers on Human and Peoples Rights (AFRIRIGHTS), have raised the alarm over what they termed “a well coordinated plot by some forces opposed to the counter-terrorism war in the North-East of Nigeria to plant sponsored but false newspaper stories to impugn the character of the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.”

HURIWA and AFRIRIGHTS are alleging that some moles within and without the military establishment have concluded plans to sponsor soft tissues of lies alleging violations of the assets declaration made by the Army Chief with specific reference to an offshore housing assets in Dubai the United Arab Emirates.

A statement jointly signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko for HURIWA and Esther Orok for AFRIRIGHTS reads thus: “Recently, some faceless individuals under the aegis of concerned citizens tried to drag the good name and reputation of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai into the fray of the ignoble arms procurement deal. “That effort fell flat on the face of the perpetrators. Typically, hell bent in destroying the General, they came up with another condemnable smear campaign. They again embark on another round of smear campaign, alleging that he has investments outside the country.

“Being concerned about the conduct of public officers and the need for propriety, our organisation took it upon itself to investigate this allegation just like several others, and found out that they are untrue. For the avoidance of doubt the said investment was legitimately cumulated over long period of time and was declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau on his assumption of duty as Chief of Army Staff in July 2015. The records are there at the Bureau for all those interested to check.

“General Buratai has nothing to hide and leads by personal example which he encourages his subordinates to emulate. He was the first military service chief to declare his assets and asked all officers to do so. This is unprecedented and has no doubt gave credence to the government’s anti-corruption crusade. Possibly, this and several other accomplishments are some of the reasons why these faceless detractors want to drag his name into the mud.

“Unknown to them, any campaign of calumny against this war hero, is not just a personal attack on him as person, or the Nigerian Army, it is an insult and assault on our collective being as Nigerian people. This is because it is an attempt to distract him and the Army he leads from clearing the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists and other good works of repositioning the Army to be truly the pride of the nation. The predators no doubt, were equally determined through this unpatriotic act to rubbish the government but they will not succeed as the truth will always vindicate him.

“Possibly they are doing all these out of ignorance as General Buratai has always remained steadfast and incorruptible. As a matter of fact, the Nigerian Army has for a long time never had a wonderful, visionary and exemplary leadership like what we are witnessing now. The welfare of troops has been enhanced. They now have uniforms and boots and other equipment, while training is being intensified. What is more appealing is the improved civil-military relations and respect for human rights.

“We implore the perpetrators of these smear campaigns to please eschew this and diabolical plans as it will not portend any good to the society and them.

“Instead of distracting the Chief of Army Staff, we should support and encourage him and the Nigerian Army as they continue to serve the nation better.”

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