TheCable

Adekunle Makama, Olowu of Kuta in Osun state, has alleged that some faceless groups want to destroy the image of Tukur Buratai, former chief of army staff.

Earlier in the week, some media platforms had reported that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) raided Buratai’s properties in Abuja and recovered multi billion-naira luxuries.

But the ICPC later issued a statement that the raided property does not belong to the former army chief. The commission said the property belongs to Kabiru Sallau, managing director of K Salam Construction Company Nigeria Limited, who is being investigated for alleged money laundering.

Speaking during a press conference in the state on Tuesday, the monarch said any attempt to tarnish Buratai’s name will fail.

Olowu, flanked by other traditional rulers in the state, described Buratai as a man of unimpeachable character and worthy of emulation.

The monarch noted that he is ready to support any Nigerian that is patriotic and has shown enough commitment to the unity of Nigeria like Buratai.

“We Can vouch for the integrity of Buratai. It was the timely rebuttal of the ICPC that thwarted the shenanigans of those who want to ridicule Buratai simply because of politics,” he said.

“It was the timely intervention of the ICPC that the money was found with the military contractor and not Buratai’s residence that saved the day, otherwise some would have believed the hatchet job.

“For instance, if you found money meant for contract from one of Julius Berger’s directors, does it mean the money belong to President Muhammadu Buhari who gave them the contract?

“Buratai has no house in Wuse 2 where all the items recovered by the ICPC were found. It’s purely an attempt by politicians to tarnish his image. Not many people were comfortable with his presence at the Eagle Square recently during the All Progressives Congress primary in Abuja.

“He has also been named as part of the APC campaign council for Osun state governorship election in July. I think you can see where the attack is coming from.”

Olowu said Buratai has transformed the Nigerian mission in Cotonou, Benin Republic, where the former army chief is serving as an ambassador.