Former Military Governor Umar Says He Knew About Cabal’s Corruption During Buhari’s Government

Eko Hot Blog reports that Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, a former military governor of Old Kaduna State, has described the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as one of the most corrupt governments in Nigeria.

Umar made this claim in an interview with Sunday Sun.

Editors Pick

• BREAKING: DSS Arrests CBN Deputy Governor Aisha Ahmad

• Pandemonium As Gombe State University Student Gives Birth, Throws Baby Out Of Window

• Morocco Earthquake: President Tinubu Sends Condolences To The King Of Morocco

According to Umar, during Buhari’s time in office, he presided over one of the most corrupt administrations in the country’s history.

The former military governor stated that the current Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) probe reveals the extent of fraud that occurred under Buhari’s leadership.

He further alleged that the President’s inner circle fraudulently enriched themselves through forex round-tripping and Anchor Borrowers fraud during his tenure.

Umar also claimed that the President was aware of how certain members of his inner circle had enriched themselves through fraudulent means.

Speaking about corruption during Buhari’s administration, Umar said, “Former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill once humorously said, ‘History will be kind to me because I intend to write it.’ When he wrote that history, he did not engage in self-praise and baseless claims. Many believe that Churchill was too harsh on himself.

“President Buhari had the opportunity to publicly declare his assets before and after his presidency, as he had promised during his campaign. However, he failed to do so. His asset declaration to the Katsina farmers lacks legal validity and doesn’t meet the expectations of the general public. Whether he left the presidency with more or fewer assets is irrelevant.

“The truth is that he oversaw one of the most corrupt administrations in Nigeria’s history. His appointment as the AU chairman of anti-corruption, if true, appears misplaced and amounts to mere symbolism.

“The former president must realize that a leader’s piety and integrity are measured by actions and conduct, not by claims and rhetoric.

“Statements like these in the past contributed to the mistaken belief in General Buhari’s unmatched competence and other leadership qualities that, unfortunately, did not materialize.

“As is customary, he may not be held accountable here, but he must prepare to answer to God Almighty. He will be called to account for how he governed.

“God already knows the worth of him, his immediate, and extended family, both before and after his presidency. There is a day of judgment, and all of us will be present. In evaluating President Buhari’s fight against corruption, I call on respected figures like Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Chief Femi Falana as witnesses. Bishop Kukah stated that ‘Buhari’s government amplified corruption morally and financially,’ while Chief Femi Falana said, ‘Corruption grew stronger under Buhari.’

“These views are shared by many Nigerians. The moral corruption Bishop Kukah is referring to is President Buhari’s prioritization of personal interests over national interests. For example, the location of over 20 major Federal Government projects in the President’s hometown, Daura, led to embarrassing and unethical actions by senior officials, including ministers and military service chiefs, who gifted him projects from their respective departments. These gifts were accepted with gratitude. It’s as if Daura is overwhelmed by democratic dividends. The acceptance of an Air Force Reference Hospital gift, when Daura lacked even a landing strip, is a prime example of ethical and moral corruption.

“The Kano to Maradi rail line was approved primarily because it passes through Daura, not due to its economic significance. It ranks lowest in the nation’s infrastructure priorities, despite being financed with a $1.9 billion Chinese loan.

“This project should be terminated, and the work done so far should serve as a monument to corruption. Meanwhile, the dualization of the two federal roads leading to Daura from Kano and Katsina is underway, while roads leading to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, remain incomplete.

“The Lagos-Ibadan expressway, connecting the North with the two South Western ports, is still under construction. The East-West Coastal highway construction has been abandoned. The second Niger Bridge remains incomplete, despite being commissioned by the Buhari administration. General Buhari’s decision to relocate to Daura from Kaduna likely reflects Daura’s urbanization and security compared to Kaduna.

“Many were surprised when an Army University was established in Biu, the local government headquarters of General Buhari’s Chief of Army Staff. The officer was seemingly emulating his Commander-in-Chief. Why does the Nigerian Army need a university when the Nigerian Defence Academy is a degree-awarding institution, and its rank and file are accommodated in civil institutions? Buhari’s high level of nepotism resulted in appointments, particularly in sensitive security areas, being skewed in favor of his region, leading to polarization, discontent, and separatist movements.”

Further Reading 

• JUST IN: Interior Minister, Tunji-Ojo Orders Clearance Of 200,000 Passport Backlogs In Two Weeks

• President Tinubu Approves Construction Of 1,000 Housing Units In 7 States [Details]

• Public Perception vs Legal Reality: Analysing The Presidential Election Tribunal Verdict

Discussing the extent of corruption under the Buhari administration, the former military governor said, “The ongoing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) probe will expose the massive financial fraud that occurred during Buhari’s tenure. It will reveal how the President’s inner circle enriched themselves through forex round-tripping and Anchor Borrowers fraud. Claims that the President was unaware are false. The DSS informed him and advised him to arrest and investigate the CBN governor. However, he was persuaded by beneficiaries not to take action that would expose them. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Nigeria has become a fantastically corrupt nation over the last eight years.”

Click To Watch Our Video Of The Week