Transparency International (TI) has criticised Col. Sambo Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser (NSA) for calling Nigerian soldiers "cowards who ran away from Boko and telling stories of poor equipment" during his speech at the Chatham House in London in January last year, Allafrica.com reports.
The agency's
Programme Manager for Conflict, Insecurity and Corruption, Leah Wawro,
slammed Col. Dasuki during a speech at an event on 'Corruption, Conflict
and the Role of the International Community' in London, describing the
former NSA's claims as "appalling".
She lamented that
instead of providing the Nigerian troops with the equipment they needed
to protect themselves and the population, "Dasuki allegedly created
phantom arms contracts for helicopters, fighter jets and ammunition",
stressing that his arrest for allegedly diverting $2.1 billion meant for
arms purchase "shows just how appalling these statements were".
Describing
'Dasukigate' scandal as "a particularly striking story", Wawro stated
that the "problem of corruption in the Nigerian defence establishment is
widespread".
"Research at Transparency International Defence and Security, completed last year found that (Nigerian) soldiers don't receive their allowances on time, which creates frustration and has led to defections and even led soldiers to sell goods and equipment to Boko Haram".
She said corruption
in the defence and security services "is particularly dangerous",
explaining that the security forces are a country's first line of
defence when it comes to protecting peace, establishing the rule of law,
and reducing instability".
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