- Safiu Kehinde
The immediate past Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has denied claims suggesting that he had resigned from his role over the threat of military action against terrorists by the United State President, Donald Trump, as well as President Bola Tinubu’s actions against the insurgents.
NPO Reported that Badaru had earlier this week resigned from his role on the ground of health challenge.
His resignation had led to the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), as the new Minister of Defence.
Meanwhile, reports circulating online alleged that Badaru had resigned over claim that he cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu bomb terrorists who he allegedly described as his brothers in the forest.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, Badaru refuted the claims, labelling it as fabrications intended to tarnish his reputation and sow discord between him and Tinubu.
The ex-Defence Minister reiterated that he had resigned on health ground, stressing that any suggestion of an alternative or inflammatory motive is a complete falsehood engineered by mischief makers.
He reaffirmed his support and loyalty to Tinubu as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The statement read; “My attention has been drawn to a malicious, false, and baseless publication circulating online, alleging that I stated I resigned as Minister of Defence because I “cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest.”
“I wish to state categorically and unequivocally that this publication is entirely false, deliberately mischievous, and did not originate from me or from any authorized representative acting on my behalf.
“The intent behind this fabrication is clear to tarnish my hard-earned reputation, sow discord between me and the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and create needless distractions from the important work of governance.
“The true and valid reasons for my resignation were formally communicated to Mr. President and subsequently made known to the public through conventional and social media platforms. Any suggestion of an alternative or inflammatory motive is a complete falsehood engineered by mischief makers.
I wish to reassure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the good people of Nigeria that I remain firmly committed to the peace, security, and stability of our nation.
“My loyalty to the President and unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda remain intact.
“I also reaffirm my full dedication to the continued success of our great party, the APC, at all levels particularly as we approach the 2027 general elections.”