‘I don’t have Properties, but Investments in Dubai’ – Lt. Gen Buratai Grilled on UK TV Talk Show

HARDtalk’s Stephen Sackur grilled Nigeria’s Army Chief, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai in an in-depth interview with hard-hitting questions and on sensitive topics.

According to BBC’s Stephen Sackur, Nigeria’s stability and unity are being threatened by internal tensions, conflict and corruption. From the Boko Haram insurgency in the north to violent militancy in the south and separatist aspirations in the East. Amid all this turmoil, Stephen Sackur finds out from Nigeria’s Army Chief, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai how effective securing the country through the Nigerian armyis.

On the Amnesty International report, that there are nine (9) individuals or officers who are still serving till date, who should face serious investigation and criminal indictment, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai asserted that he is not aware of any nine (9) officers precisely.

“Whether they are still serving, as far as I’m concerned, we have investigated the case against them and some government inquiry has done its work and found out that those who are there were not directly involved”.

Stephen Sackur asked further that there may be the need to carry out an external investigation, Buratai noted that the accusation against the officers were just allegations that have not been substantiated.

About the US trafficking in persons report that revealed evidence that the Nigerian government has been exploiting children, that is ‘using children as young as 12 years old’. Lt. Buratai asserted that it is not true.

He noted that there are complexities in such issues, in that, how do you determine a 12-year-old child.

“Am not saying we are employing a child. We are not”

Stephen Sackur stated further that the report highlighted that the Military is presently detaining and arresting children for alleged association with Boko Haram. So not only is the military not employing children in support roles which the US says is completely wrong, the military is systematically and consistently detaining and arresting children.

Lt. Tukur Buratai defended the military by asserting that these are mere lies, that there are international laws that the Military knows and follows and there is no way the Nigerian Army would pick a child and get him employed to serve anywhere. This is an allegation, he said.

Concerning the recent release of 82 chibok girls by Boko Haram, Buratai was asked what deal was made to get the release of the girls.

“As far as the release of those 82 chibok girls, the military performed our role where we provide a safe passage for those that have been released, he said”

Grilling him further, Buratai was asked what did you give to the Boko Haram Militants in return?

“I did not release them, but the government released them, it is not an army responsibility, he noted”.

It was reported that five (5) senior Boko fighters were released in return, Mr. Stephen Sackur asked.

“That is the report, Lt. Buratai answered”.

So as a military man, what message do you believe that sends to Boko haram and other nefarious agents, Mr. Stephen Sackur asked.

That is a political decision and not a military decision and it is in the best interest of the nation and based on circumstances, it think the government felt that Yes that is the best course to be taken.

Do you think that was regrettable, Mr. Stephen Sackur asked?

“Personally, I don’t think so. It has its own advantage, where there are probably some other sides of disadvantages, it has its own advantages. The message is there to rescue”.

The message is that if they can take more schoolgirls, more innocent civilians and demand in return for their release people in your prison, will you excuse to that, Mr. Stephen Sackur asked?

“That is if they are given the chance to do that. I don’t believe they would have that chance to have mass abduction anywhere like they were doing before. We are in firm control, security when you look at it globally, you will continue to tackle them as they arise. You cannot wake up overnight and wish all security challenges are gone. And even here in the UK and other parts of the world, we will continue to have these challenges. Go to the middle east, and other parts of Europe, we continue to face these threats and we would continue to address them as they arise”.

“About corruption in diverting funds meant for the military, some cases are still in court, while some are still been investigated. I think the court will handle them appropriately. There are no ghost workers in the army since the advent of this administration, they have introduced the Inter-Personnel Pay System (IPPS) and the payroll is computerized with everyone having his or her own biometrics. This has been done since 2013”, Buratai stated.

About the pay for a military officer, Buratai noted that the pay is relative, we are paid by the government and it is not the military that pays. Therefore, the government would be in the right place to answer that question.

About owning two (2) substantial properties in Dubai, Buratai stated that it is not true, they are all fake.

He noted that they are just investment, my families are into other business and they do their own private businesses, they should be able to afford to invest. We do not have any property, we are investing in Times Shared Property Investment.

“My family has never entered those properties mentioned. Our investment is not a house but a Times Shared Property Investment that you invest into. This investment were done as far back as 2013 when I was not even Chief of Army Staff, I never even dreamt that I would become Chief of Army Staff and people are using it as if it is today or when I was appointed”.

About the health of the President, Buratai noted that it is a private issue and would not make any comment. About a vacuum at the top and warning to coup plotters, Buratai stated that it was only a pre-emptive warning that was given due to the things that transpired in the last administration.

“It is good once in a while to remind the officers that they must remain within the constitutional boundaries that we have been assigned. About how long the President would not be in the country and render the leadership position he is expected to, he noted that there are constitutional provisions and there is never a vacuum and there is an Acting President, and whatever is happening the President should be allowed to recuperate and get stronger and come back home. There is never a vacuum and there should not be any cause for concern or any alarm”.

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