The Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima has stated that the money meant to buy arms to fight Boko Haram but which went into private pockets “is blood money.”
He further countered military reports that two local government are still being controlled by Boko Haram.
Sambo Dasuki, former National Security Adviser (NSA), is facing trial for allegedly diverting security funds meant to equip the military to fight the insurgency in the North-East. Other prominent Nigerians are also being prosecuted for their roles in the arms deal (aka Dasukigate).
He stated this during the weekend when he hosted Mr. Ladan Salihu, the Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRSC), in Maiduguri. Shettima said the “arms scandal” is a crime against humanity.
According to him, “the revelations from Dasukigate have shown that some sections of the northern political class and their children were all involved in this massive crime against humanity.
“This is blood money. What is the difference between all the revelations and the blood money (blood diamond) in Liberia and Sierra Leone and Congo? The money meant to prosecute the war on terror was inhumanly diverted while thousands of civilians and soldiers were killed,” Shettima said.
He called for speedy trial of the suspects. The governor also said the security situation in his state had improved.
“Six months ago, all the entry points into Maiduguri were inaccessible except to Kano,” he said.
“Months ago when I raised the issue of Boko Haram insurgency, I was called names and vilified, but I had to dare the tiger. I told the world what we were going through then in Maiduguri.
“I know by speaking out, I would face dire consequences, but I had the mandate of over six million people of Borno State to tell the world what was happening,” the governor said.
He noted that it was impossible to move 10 kilometres outside Maiduguri because Boko Haram had encircled the town.
“Twenty local government areas were under Boko Haram but thank God today, only two are not completely accessible, that is Abadam and Mobbar,” he revealed.