Military debunks link to Shekau’s escape
The Nigerian military yesterday denied reports that it deliberately suspended operations in the Sambisa Forest which enabled the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, to escape.
In a statement by Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director Public Relations of the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, he described the reports as unfortunate. He also noted that though the Theatre Command considered the misinformation as laughable, it was quite disheartening and capable of dampening the morale of troops.
He said contrary to the allegations, no such order or directive was given by anybody to any of the units and formations on that operation. President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday hit back at Transparency International over its corruption perception index indicating that corruption was getting worse in Nigeria.
Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Malam Garba Shehu, described as misleading and unfair, the ranking of 148 given Nigeria out if 180 countries surveyed.
Shehu said President Buhari asked the anticorruption watchdog to focus on facts, not fiction.
He said while the Presidency noted and welcomed constructive criticism, the organization has a responsibility to reflect the larger picture of the concrete and verifiable achievements of the administration since it came into office. President Muhammadu Buhari says the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption, Professor Itse Sagay, is defending his administration robustly while stepping on many toes in the process.
The president described Sagay as a man of conviction who is doing an exceptional job.
Buhari spoke at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday while receiving a delegation of Itsekiri leaders led by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli.
Buhari, according to a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, commended Itsekiri people for producing men of strong conviction like Sagay.
The president reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Niger Delta for economic and social activities to thrive.