Arms Deal: Jonathan Denies Approving N2 billion Contract


Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan speaking to a selected audience at National Democratic Institute in Washington DC On presidential elections and democratic consolidation in Africa denies approving 2 billion contract procurement for weapons.

Buhari ordered the arrest of Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser, and other persons indicted by the investigative committee set up to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the armed forces and defence sector from 2007 to date.

According to Buhari’s committee findings, between March 2012 and March 2015, the erstwhile NSA, Lt Col MS Dasuki (rtd) awarded fictitious and phantom contracts to the tune of N2,219,188,609.50, $1,671,742,613.58 and €9,905,477.00. The contracts, which were said to be for the purchase of 4 Alpha Jets, 12 helicopters, bombs and ammunition, were not executed and the equipment were never supplied to the Nigerian Air Force, neither are they in its inventory.

Attiah who was reporting at the event tweeted the following. "I did not award the contract of 2 billion contract for the procurement of weapons" - Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan speaking at National Democratic Institute.

Nigeria's Goodluck Jonathan at the event was asked a direct question about allegations of Dasuki, national Security advisor, stealing 2 billion in arms procurement deals amongst others.

"I'm not defending myself, I was president at the time. what I know is that some of these figures are quite staggering"- says Goodluck Jonathan reacting to the Dasuki probe.

The former president is sharing his experience as the Nigerian president and the democratic transition that ushered in the new government in Nigeria.

He further noted that "When the president [Buhari] made his state visit to the U.S., there are some figures that were mentioned, I dont believe it" -Goodluck Jonathan at NDI.

The conversation is being moderated by Ambassador Johnnie Carson, USIP Senior Advisor to the President; Member and NDI Board of Directors.

The erstwhile Nigerian President also promised to create a Goodluck Jonathan Foundation to focus on democratic consolidation in Africa.




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