TheCable

A group known as the Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance (CCSGG) has accused Transparency International (TI) of trying to distract the Nigerian military from effectively executing the war on terrorism “which has recorded success under the current administration”.

In a statement by Okpokwu Ogenyi, its national coordinator, the group appealed to the military not to lose focus as a result of the report, saying doing so would amount to “waiving Nigeria’s sovereignty to an NGO”.

“The flaws identified include failure to consider the changes in the anti-corruption landscape of Nigeria and the report was the output of persons with existing bias for the Nigerian armed forces,” the statement read.

“Since the report is about what transpired in Nigeria and about the welfare of Nigerians, it is only logical that the people who have stakes in what is under discourse have the final say. This would only be fair in line with the concept of the majority position in a democracy.

“We see a strong possibility that anyone could have instigated the report out of envy of the sterling performance and record in the operations of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Navy and other security services. This is unbecoming because the sky-scrapping records of these services have garnered international accolades for Africa and should be celebrated not vilified.

“The coalition declares a total and resounding vote of confidence in the military leadership appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari. We to urge them to continue to make us proud.

“There is no better opinion to matter to the military on earth than the opinion of the very people which they serve with all their life. The people’s support is with the defence services and we urge them not to be deterred.”