FG Clears Gen. Tukur Buratai of Corruption (DETAILS)

The federal government is said to have investigated and cleared Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, of any corrupt practice.

PR Nigeria reports that the government has investigated the recent report that Buratai owns properties in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

However, the investigation showed that the Army chief and his two wives are investors in the said properties and are not the sole owners.

Buratai was also cleared of other assets and acquisitions allegation.

PRNigeria’s source stated that “If you know the properties being referred to, you would know that they are like quoted companies. You buy into them and get dividends as profit from your investments. You can also do your own private findings on this fact.”

Another source, who is also a military intelligence officer and was involved in the investigation, said the assets were declared by law and that “the Dubai property is real estate investment tailored to operate on capital market principles of shares for dividends and profits as proceeds from investment rather than total ownership of the property.”

The military source also said that Buratai has been involved in farming since he became a major.

“The large scale farm produces grains, cassavas, millets and also has fish pond apart from variety of animal and reptile that provides specialised nutrients and medicament for different clients. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) under Fifth Schedule Part 1- permits a public officer to engage in farming.”

Furthermore, the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Mansur Dan-Ali, has also publicly stated that COAS declared his assets to both the Nigerian Army and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

This, the report notes, was corroborated by the government’s investigation.

The report also noted that Buratai had declared his assets when he was the Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force and as Chief of Army Staff.

Also the Army chief’s wives have been involved in a quasi-micro finance social intervention scheme called ‘Sana’armu’ (our collective enterprise), where they make profits from loans granted to businesses.

The report also said that Buratai doesn’t owe any Skye Bank account as was alleged earlier.

The military source said, “The rugged buffalo vehicles are not only brand new but they are 2014 model that were imported from Libya rather than from Niger as alleged.”

“General Buratai has taken personal efforts to ensure that innocent officers are not unduly sanctioned and had suggested retirement rather than dismissal on some of the offences to protect the image of the military.”

“In fact that was the reason he always guards against disclosure of the identities of affected officers to avoid stigmatisation. Even though many officers and friends are disturbed about recent campaigns against him, General Buratai has remained calm leaving everything to God,” the source added.