News

Nigeria Army Clears Chief Of Logistics, Warns Public Against Smear Campaign Of Its Officers

Published

11 months ago

December 13, 2023

The Nigerian Army has reacted to an online report accusing the Chief of Logistics (Army) Major General Erema Akerejola of acquiring a property in the US, while Soldiers lament poor welfare.

In a statement on Wednesday, Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu described the report as a mischievous smear campaign against the Chief of Logistics (Army) Maj.Gen. E.Akerejola.

Sahara Reporters had on Monday published a report titled, “Million-dollar US Property Acquired By Nigerian Army General In Charge Of Logistics, Akerejola Uncovered As Soldiers Lament Poor Welfare, Obsolete Equipment.”

Reacting, the Nigerian Army said that it has noted with great concern the deliberate and concerted efforts to mislead the public by Sahara Reporters through a mischievous and smear campaign against the Chief of Logistics (Army) Major General Erema Akerejola over an unfounded allegation of a property in the United States with proceeds from contract scams.
The statement reads,
“Ordinarily, this bogus accusation would not have necessitated any reaction from the Nigerian Army, however, because the Nigerian Army holds transparency and accountability as some of its core values, it is necessary to set the record straight.

First and foremost, the property in question, located in the United States, was indeed acquired 12 years ago on a monthly mortgage basis, which is still being paid by Mrs Akerejola, who has lived and worked in the US for the past 19 years.

Alluding to insinuations that the owner of the property comes from a poor background is a slap on the face of every hardworking Nigerian, who has made something positive of themselves, despite their birth circumstances.

It is important to note that General Akerejola was only appointed about 6 months ago as the Chief of Logistics Nigerian Army, while the property was acquired about 12 years ago. Accordingly, the vague report intentionally failed to mention the year of acquisition. Therefore, ignoring those details to achieve sensationalism and satisfy his thirst to mischievously mislead the public was rather the ulterior motive. Little wonder, the writer did not provide any shred of proof for the story, other than the supposed words of unnamed sources, who appear disgruntled, if at all, they even exist.

It is expedient to state that the real intention or otherwise of the infamous online media in publishing such toxic concoctions at this critical period is targeted at causing disaffection and shaking the table within the Army. The NA’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity remains unwavering and would not condone any form of corruption or fraudulent activities within its ranks.

Regrettably, such unfounded allegations have been made against a highly respected officer of the Nigerian Army who has a distinguished record of service and has consistently demonstrated utmost professionalism and dedication to duty throughout his career.” The statement reads.

The Nigerian Army urged the public to be cautious and exercise refrain from spreading fake news while urging the media to be professional by verifying sensitive information before disseminating it to the public.

“We urge the public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading false information capable of tarnishing the reputation of individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of our nation. We also implore the media to carry out their responsibilities with the highest level of professionalism, ensuring that accurate and verified information is disseminated to the public.” The statement further added.

The Nigerian Army says the body remains committed to its mission of protecting the territorial integrity of our great nation and serving as a force for good. We will continue to hold ourselves accountable to the Nigerian people and operate with transparency and integrity at all times.
.

Share on Facebook

News

FG Flags-off Construction Of Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway

Published

6 hours ago

October 25, 2024

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Federal Government has flagged off the construction of Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway,During the flag-off of the project on the Section I, Phase 1A of the project in Ilelah town, Sokoto State on Thursday.

Minister of Works Sen David Umahi described it as a 48-year jinx being broken and a show of love for the people of the Northern part of the country by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a statement from the ministry on Friday, signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed.

Speaking to the people during the ceremony that marked commencement of work, Umahi recalled that the idea of the project was first muted during the first tenure of former President Shehu Shagari but could not be started earlier than now.

Describing it as a payback to the people of Sokoto for the massive support given Tinubu Presidency at the 2023 polls in expectation of even much more from them during the 2027 elections, the Minister said the road is one of the Legacy Projects of Mr President, spanning over 2,000 km with the North having 52% and the South, 48.While appreciating the unwavering commitment and support of Members of the National Assembly for the President’s infrastructure development programme.

Umahi equally thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser ,NSA, for the promise to provide security for the entire stretch of the corridor while the work lasts.Welcoming guests at the occasion earlier, Deputy Governor Sokoto State and Commissioner for Works Hon. Idris Mohammed Danchadi alluded the project to “a dream come true” for the loyal people of the State.

Briefing the massive crowd at the ceremony, Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation Engr Bakare Umar and the representative of Director Highway Bridges and Design Engr Musa Seidu described the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto – Badagry Superhighway as a Trade, Transport and Security ,TTS, Greenfield corridor traversing Sokoto state through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and terminating in Lagos State.

The length of Section I, Phase 1A starts from Km. 0 + 000 (Ilelah, Sokoto State) and ends at Silame on the Sokoto/Kebbi State border, according to them.In his goodwill messages, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu recalled that at a Town Hall Meeting in July, 2024 in Birnin Kebbi, the Minister of Works spoke about plans to embark on the project, stressing that the flag-off represents the vision of Mr President to transform Nigeria, and a proof that building viable and lasting infrastructures is possible.

Also another former Governor of Kebbi State and Vice-Chairman Senate Committee on Works Sen. Adamu Aliero noted that upon completion of the Superhighway, travel time between Sokoto to Lagos will be drastically reduced by 48 hours, adding that dams for irrigation and electricity generation and rail lines are amongst its integral parts.The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi who dubbed the Minister of Works as “Mr Projects”, assured Nigerians of getting value for their money.

On his part, the Vice-Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Usman Banye, said it was a rare honour and a privilege to be a part of the epoch-making ceremony, describing the project as a catalyst for economic growth and a testament to Mr President’s desire to better the lives of the citizenry.

Speaking, the Minister of State for Works, Barr Mohammed Bello Goronyo affirmed that the project is a clear testament of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration

Share on Facebook