Chief of Army Staff, TY Buratai
The Nigerian Army has denied reports that Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai had a disagreement with President Muhammadu Buhari over the December 2015 deadline given by the president for the end of the insurgency.
The denial was contained in a
statement released by Army spokesperson, Sani Usman in reaction to an online news report which contained the claim.
The statement reads:
“The
publication is repugnant and was in great variance with all known
ethics of journalism. The choice of words as seen on the headline and
the opening paragraph was done in bad faith, very mischievous and a
great disservice to the nation.”
“There is nothing
like arguing with Mr President. He gave the directive and he remain
resolute as can be attested by his continuous support. It is obvious
that those behind the story are out to make mischief and scuttle the
fight against terrorism and insurgency in our country.”
“For
the avoidance of doubt there is no any contradiction from what the
Chief of Army Staff said and what the representative of Mr President
stated and we are determine to meet up with the set deadline based on
the fact that Operation LAFIYA DOLE has been receiving tremendous
support from the Federal Government.”
Buhari gave the deadline to Nigeria’s new service chiefs during their inauguration in August.