The former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, hope for early release from detention may not be feasible in the short run going by accounts of President Muhammadu Buhari's biographer, John Paden.

Dasuki is standing trial for embezzlement of over $15 billion earmarked for purchase of equipment for troops fighting Boko Haram insurgents in the North East.



The ECOWAS court on Tuesday ordered the Federal Government to release the ex-NSA from prison.

In the book on the President, "Muhammadu Buhari – The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria," Paden said Dasuki's release from detention may not happen soon.

In Chapter 15 of the book focusing on "Military Procurement Accountability," he noted that Buhari believes in confronting any corruption that will undermine the integrity of the military.

Paden also disclosed that such corruption in the military procurement that puts the lives of the ordinary foot soldiers at risk is capable of endangering the Nigeria project itself.

He said: "For Buhari who has said openly that he wants to be remembered for fighting corruption, it will be an unmitigated disaster for his legacy if such a gargantuan fleecing went on in his primary constituency, the military, and he failed to unearth it and punish the culprits.

"Buhari knows that Task Force and Division Commanders knew of and approved these arms purchases; Service Chiefs knew too, Ministers of Defence and Finance knew, Chief of Staff knew, civil servants in the Ministries of Defence and Finance knew, Chief of Staff to the President knew, the Vice President knew, and the President knew. It is why Buhari will keep his foot on Dasuki's throat until he fesses up.

"Who really was Sambo Dasuki fronting for in Jonathan's cabinet? That is the main question to which Buhari is also seeking answers.

"As noted throughout this study, Buhari has a strong belief in right and wrong. He also has an abiding respect for the Nigerian military as an institution that can help hold Nigeria together.

"From Buhari's perspective, if corruption in military procurement undermines the integrity of the military, that corruption must be confronted.

"And if such procurement allegations weaken the military response to Boko Haram and put ordinary foot soldiers at risk, that corruption poses a double threat, endangering even the Nigeria project itself."


Source: http://nignews.com.ng/why-buhari-will-keep-dasuki-in-detention-paden/