$2b Arms Purchase: Jonathan Throws Out Allegations

The claims that his government gave out contract of arms purchase to the tune of $2 billion has been denied by immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan.Speaking in Washington DC on the topic, “Presidential elections and democratic consolidation in Africa: Case studies on Nigeria and Tanzania,” the former president noted that, “I did not award any $2 billion contract for procurement of weapons.“Where did the money come from? I did not award a contract of $2billion for procurement of weapons.”It would be recalled that on Tuesday, presidential investigations committee into arms procurement under the government of Jonathan had made known in its interim report that it had discovered an extra-budgetary spending by the government of Jonathan in the sum of N643.8 billion. In addition, the sum of $2.2 billion was disbursed under the foreign currency component, managed and supervised by former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd).Responding, Dasuki insisted that the contract was approved by President Jonathan, and that due process and military procurement regulations were adhered to in all transactions.According to Dasuki, “Nigerians should note that all the services generated the types of equipment needed, sourced suppliers most times and after consideration by the Office of the NSA, the President approved applications for payment.”