Aregbesola Advocates Severe Punishment for Those Found Guilty in Arms Deal Scandal

Governor Rauf Aregbeola

The Governor of Osun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has said those involved in sharing the $2.1bn meant for arms procurement should be served adequate punishment commensurate to the crime committed against the nation.

According to The Punch, Governor Aregbesola said this in Osogbo on Friday at the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in honour of fallen heroes.

While commending President Muhammdu Buhari for unraveling the looting, he said that all those found guilty should be severely punished without exception. He lamented the situation where some of the soldiers caught and indicted have been pardoned and some losing their commission while others face uncertain future, said it was pertinent that a fresh inquiry be set up so that justice ‎will be done.

The governor stated that the corruption perpetrated by the past administration caused massive destruction of lives and property adding that lack of superior weapons by the military forced some soldiers to run away from the insurgents.

He said, “It is even a monumental scandal of unimaginable proportion that funds meant for procuring arms for soldiers are shared among members of the Peoples Democratic Party without the least compunction.

“I commend the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in unravelling this heinous crime and I sincerely hope that all those involved will receive full retribution. Some of the soldiers caught in the maelstrom and indicted have been pardoned but some have lost their commission while others face uncertain future.

“Considering the circumstances of this unusual event, it is pertinent that a fresh inquiry be set up so that justice will be given to all those involved and our gallant soldiers will not be punished unjustly.”