A foremost Osun monarch, Oba Hammed Adekunle Makama, the Olowu of Kuta kingdom has stated that attribution of a house in Wuse, Abuja, where operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) raided and recovered huge cash and other luxury items to the former Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador Tukur Yusuf Buratai as a smear campaign.
He described it as a “media terrorism.”
Speaking during a press conference in his palace at Owu kuta on Tuesday, Oba Makama said those behind the attack on the person of Buratai decided to use blackmail after several unsuccessful attempts to get him removed from office at the Chief of Army staff before his time.
“Let it be known that we have credible information that several faceless NGO (Non Governmental Organizations) have been paid to embark on campaign of calumny and destruction against the person of Buratai.
“The misinforming reports, I stand to confirm, is purely malicious and another fabricated tale published to tarnish Ambassador Buratai’s brilliant image. But, this too has failed, because the ICPC’s official public statement has confirmed Buratai has no link with the said property or the cash and other items found in the building”, he said.
Oba Makama attributed the attack on Ambassador Buratai to his milestone in the military as the longest serving chief.
He added that “As you rightly know, Ambassador Buratai is not from Kuta. He is not an Owu, but I stand for integrity. God himself has covered Buratai with garment of honour.
“He has neither own a house in Wuse. I pray they desist. I am supporting him with this address to the press, since I can always vouch for his excellent character and uncommon integrity. A Yoruba axiom says ‘if you pursue someone and you did not meet him, you make detour’.
“His years of meritorious service to his fatherland cannot be overlooked and as a patriot, having been tested and proven in his commitment to nation building.
“Ambassador Buratai has and is still serving Nigeria without any blemish despite the unwarranted attacks having chosen to serve without bias which is fetching him commendations almost on a regular basis.
“I make bold to say that Ambassador Buratai remains a man of immense honour. Therefore, he needs the support of all well-meaning Nigerians to succeed in his current assignment, notwithstanding the avoidable distractions.”
Oba Makama thereafter called on Nigerians to support Buratai to succeed in his bid to salvage the country at his present place of duty, rather than joining in the pull-him-down antics of those bent on smearing his hard earned honour and integrity.
