Following Major General Babagana Monguno’s whistleblow early this month on an alleged diversion of fund meant for procurement of arms to fight insecurity, the
Nigeria Democracy Working Group has expressed deep concern on the matter.
The group has unconditionally demanded for the “immediate setup of a committee to investigate the controversial $1 billion vote approved and released for arms supply, which was among other things meant to facilitate the war on terror.
Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, the convener of the group, said in a release that, “it is our adamant belief that, an allegation of this magnitude coming from a highly respected personality in the person of the National Security Adviser to the President, Major General Babagana Mungono, must not be swept under the carpet”.
He said, “this is because as a democratic nation, we should be able to set good example to other nations, especially among the African Communities, to reflect our long self-imposed position of the “Giant of Africa”, by objectively getting to the bottom of the allegation”.
Waiya noted that, “rather than waging a war on personal vendetta against the person of the National Security Adviser, it’s clear from the content of this allegation that, the matter should not be about personality or individuality, but we should rather be mindful about the corporate reputation and integrity of our country which is gradually drifting into total muddle.
“This growing degree of the culture of impunity if allowed to continue in our system would surely choke the practice of accountability and transparency, two most outstanding principles of democratic governance accepted world over,” he noted in frustration.
He added, “It is also unfortunate as some individuals would place themselves above the corridor of the rule of law, and refuse to recognize themselves as servants to the people, but rather choose to always behave as political dictators with total disregard to the plights of the majority, hence the need for a special panel of investigation into this matter, and this action is not only desirable but is equally necessary.
“In our urgent demand for a panel of Inquiry, the terms of reference for the committee should include: Discreet probe on the actual release of the alleged funds, how much has so far been expended on the procurement of the military equipment; what is the percentage supplied; the name of the company contracted for the arms supply; under which office was the contract executed; who signed the contract on behalf of the Federal Government; who received the supply of the ammunition on behalf of the Federal Government, and which year was the supply of the arms effected. The panel will also find out how much is left; when is the next expected consignment, and what quantity of the supplied arms were distributed to the military formations in Nigeria, and lastly the names of the military formations that received the arms and ammunition.”
The Convener hinted that, Nigerian citizens deserve an urgent response from the Presidency, by establishing a high-powered probe panel to effect a “thorough investigation and presentation of comprehensive findings to the public regarding the procurement of the said arms.”
“This measure we believe would help Nigerian citizens to find solace on the growing anxiety they have been going through, since the beginning of the enduring controversy.
The Group, hopes that the good people of Nigeria shall receive a quick response to salvage the country from further shame and image damaging.