Dear readers, it has happened again. We have one of the biggest fishes our anti-corruption net have ever caught. Upon a closer examination one can discern that this armsgate or Dasukigate is a more appalling corruption scandal than the Halliburton bribery case. God forbid should this gate close without us seeing the jail terms for the perpetrators.
What is the Dasukigate?
The Dasukigate has been in the news since November, however, we seemed uninterested in this wonderful development in our country’s anti-corruption fight. So, for that sole purpose I am here to educate us further on it. Why? I want us to be seated in the right position so that we can watch how this wonderful drama unfolds.Sambo Dasuki is a retired Nigerian army colonel and the former national security adviser to the president of Nigeria. On December 1, 2015, he was arrested by the State Security Service for allegedly stealing $2 billion, and accused of awarding phantom contracts for purchasing of 12 helicopters, four fighter jets and other ammunition meant for the Nigerian military campaign against Boko Haram.
Now the pertinent questions are: where are the fighter jets and ammunitions? Were they even bought? The answer to these questions is an emphatic no! They were not; rather, the money were diverted into funding of the PDP 2015 campaign. This is the reason for Dasuki’s arrest and for the corruption case of the year known as Dasukigate or armsgate.
Since this gate has been opened by the EFCC, Dasuki has shown how lonely he can be. He has gradually been dragging the notable individuals to join him in entering the armsgate, and by God’s willing more will enter this gate, perhaps never to return again.
Who is involved?
Among the notable individuals crawling into the armsgate is High Chief Raymond Dokepsi, the former boss of AIT, Shuaibu Salisu, the director of finance and administration in the office of the national security adviser, Godwin Emiefile, the Central Bank of Nigeria governor, the former minister for finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the former president Jonathan and Linda Ikeji, who happened to be the latest to join the gate waiters.However, Linda Ikeji has debunked the rumours from the political commentator Oluwakayode Olumide Ogundamisi that she received N240 million of the arms purchase money, saying that though she was paid by the political parties for advert banners, she had nothing to do with N240 million.
Another question now is who is telling the truth? Linda? Or Ogundamisi? Only time will tell.
Another popular blogger, Omojuwa, spoke in favour of Linda saying in a tweet: “People who offer spiritual services get more money than bloggers. No blogger will get N240 million. Let it rest already.”
Who is next?
While the Twitter community continues blazing with #LindaGate, #DasukiGate and #ArmsGate. we, the noble and innocent citizens, are watching keenly with our eyes widely open to see how many people will finally enter the armsgate, and how serious President Buhari is about the anti-corruption fight.Oh! Just how much I love Col Dasuki, he surely does not want to enter this armsgate infamously named after him alone. He has recently mentioned that he gave Oga Buhari $300,000, so Oga Buhari will also join the now famous gate. However, the president’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, has debunked the claim stating that Buhari got two Land Cruiser SUVs and no cash.
Will the armsgate trial end in a standstill like most corruption cases in Nigeria, or will it bring in more big players into the gate?
Only time will tell.
Arinze Esomnofu
This article expresses the author’s opinion only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Naij.com or its editors.
