He was removed because he asked Yermia to provide details of how the Army spent N2.6 trillion budget for counter-insurgency from 2015 till date.
“The COAS conference has posed many questions needing answers. The Chief of Army Staff says he will work towards addressing logistic 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 this statement,” Uyi had asked.
The pressman was, however, removed from the group shortly after his message by an officer, Muhammad Isa Yahaya.
News Central condemned in a statement and noted that Uyi has covered the Nigerian military and defence operations for close to a decade.
It said the staff raised the question about the comment by the COAS, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru at a press conference and even volunteered to send a reportorial crew to get his reaction.
“With such a huge amount expended within the period, Amadin Uyi also questioned the COAS’s remark that directives had been given for “more weapons to be procured”, when the initially disbursed funds could have purchased enough armaments.
“Because the public will want details, Uyi also asked if the army had previously abandoned the damaged and unserviceable equipment in the theatre of war after the COAS talked about back-loading them and instructing that they be repaired immediately.
“Rather than address these concerns to satisfy public curiosity and accountability, the Nigerian Army Public Relations Unit simply took Amadin Uyi off the platform after challenging him for asking what they described as “irrelevant questions.”
The media house urged the Nigerian Army to address the questions raised, adding that the journalist had conducted himself with utmost professionalism.
Journalists and members of civil society have criticized the action.
It said the staff raised the question about the comment by the COAS, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru at a press conference and even volunteered to send a reportorial crew to get his reaction.
“With such a huge amount expended within the period, Amadin Uyi also questioned the COAS’s remark that directives had been given for “more weapons to be procured”, when the initially disbursed funds could have purchased enough armaments.
“Because the public will want details, Uyi also asked if the army had previously abandoned the damaged and unserviceable equipment in the theatre of war after the COAS talked about back-loading them and instructing that they be repaired immediately.
“Rather than address these concerns to satisfy public curiosity and accountability, the Nigerian Army Public Relations Unit simply took Amadin Uyi off the platform after challenging him for asking what they described as “irrelevant questions.”
The media house urged the Nigerian Army to address the questions raised, adding that the journalist had conducted himself with utmost professionalism.
Journalists and members of civil society have criticized the action.
The Nigerian Army has remained silent on the issue.
Nigeria is in big trouble. I sincerely don't know how and if the rot can be corrected for generations to come. Truly sad.
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