Wike vs Army: Buratai’s lawyer warns Rivers governor

Osuagwu Ugochukwu, an Attorney to Chief of Army Staff, Yusuf Buratai, has warned Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike to stop his attack on Major General Jamil Sarham, General Officer Commanding 6 division, and the Nigerian Army.

Governor Wike had accused Sarham of running a massive oil theft criminal gang in the state, as well as sending troops to assassinate him on the 15 of February, 2019.

In a statement on Thursday, Ugochukwu noted that Sarham was appointed based on sound reputation and professionalism.

He said: “I find the latest accusation by Gov Wike as another scheme to rubbish the image of the Nigerian Army. A Governor who claimed troops were sent to assassinate him by Major General Jamil on February 15 2019 is now reporting publicly almost three months after. Is this not ridiculous?

“Who did Wike report to about the so called Assassination attempt? What evidence did he furnish to substantiate the assassination attempt? Certainly none. Not done with that, Wike now adds the allegation of oil bunkering against a whole Major General of the Nigeria Army.

“Aside that, the Governor failed again to furnish details of the oil bunkering against Major General Jamil. When did the said oil bunkering take place? What is the name of the vessel used? Who bought the said crude oil? For how much? How many barrels were involved?

“Governor Wike certainly had none of these evidence but felt the image of Major General Jamil must be tarnished. This was the same Governor who had earlier took on the Commander State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) ACP. Akin Victor Fakorede over series of unfounded allegations.

“The Governor should stop the unjust attack on the reputation of Major General Jamil Sarham and by extension that of the Nigerian Army. Wike has been elected to serve Rivers state and not to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army without justification.”