Borno Elders’ Forum says those who took Dasuki's cash are the sponsors of Boko Haram

MEMBERS of the Borno Elders’ Forum (Bef) have waded into the ongoing Dasukigate scandal claiming that those who benefited from the sharing of money meant for arms purchase are behind Boko Haram as they used the cash they got to sponsor the sect.

 

Nigeria is currently embroiled in the Dasukigate arms scandal in which $2.1bn voted to purchase weapons for the military ended up being shared by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of former president Dr Goodluck Jonathan. Former national security adviser Retired Col Sambo Dasuki, who is at the centre of the scan, is alleged to have distributed the cash to PDP members and loyalists to fund its election campaign.

 

Bef spokesman Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari, said: “The people who sponsored the activities of Boko Haram or those who deliberately turned away from their official responsibilities on security issues, or those who looted the funds meant for the prosecution of the war against Boko Haram and those who spoke or continue to speak in their favour are all one and the same. They all individually and collectively aided and sponsored the Boko Haram insurgency.

 

"They colluded to ensure the death of our brave soldiers, our innocent people and the near total destruction of our society. Nigerians should stand by us and collectively assist to bring those responsible to book."

 

He added that until the advent of the current government under President Muhammadu Buhari, the Bef was ignored and they are relieved that not only the present government but the generality of our Nigerian compatriots are now showing great understanding and compassion about their sorry state of existence. Ambassador Galtimari said they thank God for that and we are and will remain eternally grateful to President Buhari and the gallant, patriotic armed forces of Nigeria for the turn of events in their land.

 

“Much has been said about the sponsors of Boko Haram and with the horrifying revelations about the arms deal, it is no longer necessary to continue delaying the search for the real sponsors of Boko Haram. Those who collected such huge sums of money from the national treasury and converted same for their unending greed and avarice, should be regarded as part and parcel of the sponsors of Boko Haram, get them and you will get the rest.

 

“We feel hurt and betrayed that some Nigerians are politicising this despicable issue of arms deal, with people are rushing to our courts of law to manipulate the law, taking cover under the canopy of the constitution and misinterpreted human rights dicta to confuse the nation. Even the constitution itself has balanced interests of people against the interest of individuals," Ambassador Galtimari added.

 

He argued that the interest of the victims should prevail when it comes to justice as thousands of Nigerians perished due to the misuse of funds meant for security not only the arms deal case but several other instances before it. Ambassador Galtimari added that playing politics with those issues is to condone the loss of lives and the destruction of livelihood in Borno State.