Former Political Adviser to Kashim Shettima reacts to outrage by Nigerians over N1.4 Billion Vehicles support to Niger Republic

Former Political Adviser to Kashim Shettima reacts to outrage by Nigerians over N1.4 Billion Vehicles support to Niger Republic

By: James Bwala

Alhaji Yusuf Adamu, a former Special Adviser on Political matter to Borno state governor, Senator Kashim Shettima has reacted to outrage by Nigerians over the purchase of security vehicle to Niger republic stating that Nigeria and Niger has a long border lines that stretches to many states and the issue of insecurity due to lack of operational vehicles has overwhelmed the Niger Republic which seek help from Nigeria to curb the situation.

“I don’t think there is something wrong with the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari in lending a hand of support. It is not only the Buhari government that started lending hands to our neigbours. The Obasanjo administration has lend hand to other African countries which approach Nigeria in their hours of needs. Also the Jonathan administration had lend a hand to Chad republic in its hours of needs. Why some Nigerians are seeing this as strange is because of their imaginative nature of any government that they feel otherwise with but this has happened before and it is nothing strenge.” Alhaji Yusuf Adamu said.

According to Yusuf Adamu, the insecurity situation in Niger whether some Nigerians agree with the move by the Federal government or not affects Nigeria, as such the need for all to come together and put sentiments aside in ensuring positive support for government to fight to insecurity situation to the last.

“We must understand that this is not about President Muhammadu Buhari but also about millions of Nigerians who cannot run away from their ancestral home and had to face constant abuse by terrorists seeking to establish their presence along the border between Nigeria and Niger Republic.” Adamu said.

The outrage by Nigerians over the reported N1,145,000,000 used to purchase vehicles for the government of Niger Republic has continued to received reactions by citizens who sees the move differently.

Recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari approved release of the fund on February 22, this year. Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, justifying the decision, said while Nigerians have the right to ask questions, President Buhari, who approved the purchase, also has the right to make his own assessment on situations and act on them accordingly.

Fielding questions after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Minister noted that she understood the concerns of Nigerians about the matter since it became public, but said Nigeria has a policy of assisting her neighbours, a development, which goes a long way to strengthening capacity to deal with insecurity.

The leaked document from the Budget Office showed the release of N1.145 billion to the office of the Accountant General of the Federal. The funds were to be made to Kaura Motors Nigeria Limited, supplier of the 10 Toyota Land Cruisers V8 vehicles to the Nigerien Government via its Fidelity Bank Account.

Reports have it that the Presidency of the Republic of Niger had requested logistic support from the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria vide a letter with Ref. 000104/PRN/DIRCAB, dated January 20, 2022.

The Finance Minister also noted that it is the President’s prerogative to take such decisions after a careful assessment of the situation.

“Let me just say that overtime, Nigeria has had to support its neighbours, especially, immediate neighbours, to enhance their capacity to secure their countries as it relates to us. This is not the first time that Nigeria had assisted Niger Republic, Cameroon or Chad.

“The President makes an assessment as to what is required based on the request of their Presidents. Such requests are approved and interventions are provided.”

Former Political Adviser to Kashim Shettima reacts to outrage by Nigerians over N1.4 Billion Vehicles support to Niger Republic