DASUKI EXPLODES, SAYS ‘NOBODY SHOULD BEG BUHARI OVER MY TRIAL’
DASUKI EXPLODES, SAYS ‘NOBODY SHOULD BEG BUHARI OVER MY
TRIAL’
Former National Security Adviser, Col
Sambo Dasuki (rtd) has sent out words to his family members, relatives,
associates and prominent Nigerians who are his friends not to beg President
Muhammadu Buhari over his ongoing trial.
This revelation was made to our
correspondent by a source close to Dasuki.
Speaking on the ex-NSA as he nears
two years in government custody, the source replied: “Well, you all know what
is happening. He has been granted bails by four different high courts;
ECOWAS court also ordered his release but they won’t allow him go”.
“The question we are asking them is:
Why keep a man even when courts said let him go home. His lawyers even said
government can keep as many security operatives around him to monitor his
movement, visitors etc.
“The general believe around the
country is that there is more to this matter than government is letting us know
but they should remember we will all die one day. Those fighting a personal
course should have this at the back on their mind”.
Asked specifically to describe how
Dasuki was faring, the source said: “He is strong. I have not seen a person
like him. Being strong-willed is part of military training and obviously it’s
part of him”.
“But I can tell you that he still
insists on open trial that will have the media in attendance. Dasuki wants the
world to hear shocking things. He also asked us to tell all those who know him
that nobody should beg President Buhari over his ordeal. He was very clear on
this.
“Dasuki knew he would be probed but
chose to remain in Nigeria. He revealed that he didn’t flee the country because
he is not a coward. He said he is ready to face whatever will happen to him
in custody or prison…even death”.
DAILY POST recall that since 2015, Dasuki has been granted bail by Justice Adeniyi Ademola and Justice Ahmed Rahmat Mohammed of the Federal High Court as well as Justice Peter Affen and Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf of the FCT High Courts.
DAILY POST recall that since 2015, Dasuki has been granted bail by Justice Adeniyi Ademola and Justice Ahmed Rahmat Mohammed of the Federal High Court as well as Justice Peter Affen and Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf of the FCT High Courts.
The ECOWAS Court had also in a
judgement ordered the federal government to free him from custody. The
court further imposed a fine of N15,000,000 on government.
In one of the court sessions, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN) pointedly accused the Nigerian government of frustrating the Dasuki trial.
In one of the court sessions, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN) pointedly accused the Nigerian government of frustrating the Dasuki trial.
Olujimi told an FCT High Court that
it was irritating for government to have persistently and consistently refused
to produce the Sokoto prince, who has been in DSS custody, in court.
Dasuki was the first senior
official of the Jonathan government to be charged under President Muhammadu
Buhari, who took in office in May 2015.
Arrested in the morning of December
1, 2015 by the Department of State Services (DSS), Dasuki is accused of
awarding phantom contracts to buy 12 helicopters, four fighter jets and
ammunition.
He is also answering charges of
unlawful possession of firearms and alleged mismanagement of $2bn meant to
fight the Boko Haram insurgency. He denies all allegations.
His associates and members of the
former ruling party, PDP, hold the view that Dasuki’s case has become
“persecution” by the Buhari government over his role in the 1985 coup.
Dasuki, perhaps in anticipation of
his arrest, spoke
on the matter two months after Buhari assumed office.
He maintained that he never
maltreated Buhari during the coup.
Dasuki told founder of PRNigeria and
blogger Yushau Shuaib in an interview: “General Buhari should know who he
should blame”.
Recalling events, Dasuki disclosed
how he and two young military officers he said are still alive travelled to
Jos to brief Major General Buhari of (then) GOC of 3rd Armoured Division on
the furtherance of the planning of the 1983 coup, which made Buhari the major
beneficiary of the ouster of elected President Shehu Shagari.
He said Buhari, in one of their
interactions, expressed his bitterness about insinuations on his stewardship in
one of the public institutions.
Dasuki noted that he assured Buhari
not to worry about such reckless and mischievous insinuations.
On his participation in the coup that
saw the exit of Buhari less than two years after he became Head of State,
Dasuki insisted that Buhari cannot say he is not aware of the man behind the
act.
On his alleged maltreatment of Buhari
after the coup, he responded: “I always respect and dignify my seniors and
those in positions of authority whether in service or after.”
“Though a young officer, I was
reluctant to be among those that arrested him. I was not. I only met him
afterward at Bonny Camp with Lawal Rafindadi.
”There is no way I could have
maltreated him as being alleged in some quarters. I am glad most of the actors
are still alive.”
On his roles in politics, Dasuki
narrated how he supported Buhari’s aspiration for presidency in 2003, 2007 and
2011.
He further mentioned names of
individuals who were also privy to his active involvement.
