Governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Tanko Al-makura has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to probe former Minister of Information Mr. Labaran Maku’s tenure over corruption and proliferation of fire arms during the Ombatse crisis while he served as supervising Minister of defence.
Maku, a 2015 gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state, was the former minister of Information and supervising minister of defence, during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, and have played an active role in the last administration.
Al-makura in a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media, Ahmed Tukur, some of the allegation by leveled against Maku by the Al-makura’s administration was that he received funds in the names of some individuals in the state who will assist in the release of 200 Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram.
Al-makura while drawing the attention of the relevant anti-corruption agencies said the beginning of the probe of the arms deal must not end without probing those who allegedly collected money in the name of securing the release of Chibok girls and never did.
It could be recalled that the Al – makura recently called for the probe of Maku over his role in $2.1bn arms deal.
The governor urged security agencies to extend their searchlight on failed attempt to secure the release of the abducted Chibok girls by the office of former Minister of Information and Supervising Minister of Defence.
Al-makura also said the probe of the arms deal will not be completed if investigation is not carried out on how Maku as Information Minister deceived Nigerians that the war is been won while he allegedly collected millions of Naira under the guise of negotiating for the release of the Chibok girls as the then supervising Minister of Defence.
Al – makura said, “Maku must provide answers to the failed deal to facilitate the release of the Chibok girls from captivity and also explained why such deals where entered into”.
He said that the public will be very much interested in knowing those behind the deal and how they came in contact with those who knew the whereabouts of the girls.
“Nigerians demand explanations from Maku as all along as Minister for Information he has been feeding the public with evil lies that the war against insurgency was on the right direction while millions of tax payers money is been siphoned to private pockets while he superintend over the Ministry of Defence.
“Maku has been challenged to also explain his role in the Ombatse and Baba Alakyo Saga and the killings of 86 security operatives in his state while he was covering Ministry of Defence”.
Al-makura commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to defeat Boko Haram, stressing that the signs are already clear that Boko Haram are on the retreat he then called on all Nigerians especially citizens of the North East to support him in this patriotic and honest drive to bring lasting peace and move the country forward.