The Nigerian Army has described as false allegations by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, of soldiers being involved in illegal oil bunkering in the state.
Wike had accused the general officer commanding the Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Jamil Sarham, of raising a team of soldiers to steal and sell petroleum products in the region.
The governor alleged that Sarham was involved in oil bunkering to enable him finance his ambition to be appointed the Chief of Army Staff.
In a statement on Tuesday, deputy spokesman of the Army, Aminu Iliyasu, said the claims were false and a deliberate effort to tarnish the image of the Chief of Army Staff and the GOC 6 Division.
“Accordingly, Wike’s allegation against Major General Sarham’s selfish involvement in illegal oil bunkering is another reckless, spurious and mischievous accusation. Hence, Headquarters 6 Division wish to request the Governor to take the most civilised way of putting up a petition to the relevant authorities to make a point.
“Mr Wike’s resentment against the GOC is based on the latter’s choice of professionalism and integrity over the billions of naira offered to him by the Governor to compromise the 2019 General Elections. His refusal to be bought over and the rejection of such hefty offer is the genesis of Wike’s hatred and vociferous criticisms against Maj Gen Sarham,” part of the statement said.
It also said that “no amount of blackmail and Area boy gerrymandering will affect its resolve and commitment to discharge its roles professionally and in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff.”
