By Usman Santuraki
The clearance of General Yusuf Burutai, the Chief of Army Staff, by the government does not hold water. This is because of the fact that the existing law prohibited public servant from indulging in any sort of business while drawing salary.
Therefore, it is a clear indictment on the part of the army general to own any kind of investment whatsoever in service. The question begging for answer is how does he come about the amount to buy the shares as a servant of the government or what kind of business does his wives do to get the money to buy the shares in property in Dubai?
The war on corruption should be total and there shall not be sacred cow in the task of cleansing the country of corrupt officials. It is therefore a misnomer to allow the Defence Headquarters to determine the case, which let off the army chief.
As a case of corruption was tabled against the Chief of Army Staff, the organ charge with interrogation and prosecution of all corrupt related cases, which is the anti-graft agency (EFCC) should be the one to probe, investigate and even prosecute.
Anything less than that clearly shows that the current administration’s fight against corruption as selective and one sided, thereby portraying the administration as vindictive. There is no need for the Buhari administration to be seen as one that is all out to close its eyes even if its officials engage in financial misdemeanour, especially corrupt practices. General Buratai need not to be covered as he must account for his action, particularly the current one on how he was able to own properties in Dubai.
It is imperative for the present administration to allow for a thorough investigation to take its course so that it would serve as deterrent to others.
The cardinal objective of the present administration is hinged in cleansing the mess done to the country as a result of massive corruption. In fact, the EFCC should be given the chance to carry its responsibility of investigation and not the Defence Headquarters as was done in the present case of General Tukur Yusuf Buratai.
Usman Santuraki wrote in from No 2 Santuraki Close Jambutu Ward Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State. He can be reached on 08032333546
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