By Elohor Igbru
The Nigerian Army through its Department of Army Public Relations (DAPR) has thrown out a Nigerian editor from its Whatsapp platform where information relating to the Army are shared to journalists.
The Whatsapp platform is being operated by the Director of Army Public Relations Brigadier General Yerima with assistance from other spokespersons from the divisions.
Amadin Uyi, a decorated broadcast journalist who has covered military operations in Nigeria for more than eight years had asked Army Spokesman, Brigadier General some follow up questions over statements made by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru at a press conference.
The questions which ignited the wrath of top Army brass are as follows:
Good day General Yerima,
The COAS conference has posed many questions that need answers…
The Chief of Army Staff says he will work addressing logistics challenges, this is really shocking considering the fact that about 2.6 trillion naira has been spent between 2015 and 2019, we really want to know what he really means by the statement
He also said he has given directives that more weapons be procured, the question is, with 2.6 trillion naira in 4 years, does it mean the funds were not enough to buy enough weapons
Thirdly he talked about back-loading damaged and unserviceable equipment in the theatre and instructing that they be repaired immediately, does it mean they were abandoned in the past
I will really need answers to this
I am open to send a team (reporter and cameraman) to get your feedback
Thanks and note, it is really urgent
Amadin Uyi
But rather than respond to the questions, the editor and Abuja Bureau Chief of News Central TV was shown the exit door.
When contacted, Mr Uyi confirmed he was no longer on the Army news platform but promised to make further comments if necessary after consultations.
