Rotimi Ojomoyela
Ado-Ekiti
Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State yesterday admonished the President Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government to follow due process in the procurement of arms to confront the Boko Haram insurgency in the north.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti yesterday after inaugurating the Ire Burnt Brick Industry revamped by Governor Kayode Fayemi, Kwankwaso lamented that the seizure of over 15 million dollars by South African security from some Nigerians under the guise of procuring arms for the Nigeria Army could be counter-productive, except the country takes a decisive action to check recurrence.
The Kano state governor was reacting to the seizure of 5.7 million and 9.3 million dollars by South African Security Agencies from some Nigerians, who claimed that the money, which was seized in tranches were meant to purchase equipment for the Nigeria Army.
In his words, “As a former Minister of Defence, I am quite aware that there are rules of engagements in the procurement of arms. We have to follow due process so that the process will not be abused, so that the country will not be ridiculed.
“Procurement of arms goes beyond buying of pepper and tomato. It looks unbelievable that money of that magnitude could be put in aircraft and ferried to another country without looking at the consequences of such action. That is why the Federal Government must take up the responsibility to ensure that all the necessary guidelines are followed,” he said.
Kwankwaso also added that all well-meaning Nigerians must rise up to protect the judiciary for the sustenance of the country’s fledgling democracy, describing the alleged invasion of courts by hoodlums a couple of weeks ago in Ekiti state, as high point of impunity, which he said was condemnable.
