Umbrella body of Nigerian Muslims, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has challenged the Federal Government to come clean on the $9.3 million seized from government agents by South African authorities last week. JNI is not convinced of Aso Rock’s explanation that the money and the private aircraft in which it was discovered were on a mission to buy arms with which to prosecute the on-going war against insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East.

JNI in a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna raised seven questions about the issue even as it also challenged the National Assembly to debate the scandal and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe it and bring anyone who may have breached the law to book. JIN said in the statement signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, a copy of which was made available to News Express: “We at the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) are in disbelief over the recent news at both national and international media of impounding of a private jet in South Africa, laden with 9.3 million US DOLLARS in cash, purportedly to buy arms in that country.

“What is more shocking is the said government's full knowledge of it, despite its illegality and the attempt to intervene in such a scandalous matter which attracts the full weight of the law to address. There is more to the explanation given by the government on the matter.

“Therefore government should tell Nigerians the real fact on the issue. We hope the matter will not be wheedled with. However, we note with dismay the unguarded utterances of some leaders that they will call on their followers to defend themselves. Also we note the uncourteous speeches attacking other leaders, which live much to be desired and over heat the polity.

“The following posers are instructive: Is government short of official agents which necessitates assigning non official ones?

“Why were the Presidential fleet of jets not used?

“With the current trend of cashless financial transaction why is such huge amount carried in cash?

“Isn’t arms deals executed via third party?

“Where is the Ministry of Defence and the office of the National Security Adviser?

“Was Due Process followed through relevant government agencies?

“Are bilateral matters dealt with in that way?

“Our Senators at the upper chamber and Representatives members at the lower chamber must rise to the occasion for special discussion on the matter as urgent public interest revolves on it, as it relates to threat to national security.

“EFCC must wholly play its role in this direction by prosecuting those involved to adequately face the wrath of the law. It doesn’t matter whose ox is gored.

“All relevant government agencies must also discharge their responsibilities without fear or favor showing the world that our country is serious.

“For its internal and external integrity, government must clear off dabbling into issues which the Nigerian Law had properly addressed. We have been saying that certain elements are now fond of breaking the law with impunity, feeling super and above the law.

“We appeal that justice be done by all concerned in order to serve as deterrent to those who feel they are above the law.

“We are in support of any move in restoring peace and security and we will not waiver. We commend the efforts of security agents in the fight against terrorism and the successes so far achieved.

“It is always our prayer to Allah the Exalted to restore back peace and security to our dear country and guide our leaders aright.”

•Photo shows JNI Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu.

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