Former Defence minister, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), has advised the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to investigate President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration over the $60billion debt it incurred.
Danjuma wondered how the administration racked up such huge debts without anything to show for it.
The former Defence minister spoke in Takum, Taraba State, during the commissioning and handing over of two bridges he built along Takum-Katsina Ala Road.
He said that a probe was necessary to establish what happened to the fund.
It will be recalled that President Jonathan paid Danjuma a private visit immediately after he conceded victory to Muhammad Buhari in the March 28 general elections.
Shortly before ore the elctions, Danjuma had also visited Jonathan.
Both incidents triggered a conspiracy theory that Danjuma was one of the key personalities detailed to mount pressure on Jonathan to accept the results even if flawed.
Danjuma said, “It is disheartening to know that the incoming government of Buhari will have to contend with a debt of over $60billion and there is nothing to show for this huge debt. Well, we would know what happened to these monies, because I believe that the Buhari administration has to, and should, in national interest, investigate the administration so that we would know what happened.”
On why he had remained largely disinterested in politics, he said he chose to steer clear of politics because “all the political parties are the same [and] very bad. I rather steer clear of it. I support anyone who comes to me for money based on what I make of their person irrespective of political affiliations.”
Danjuma said the bridge was his own of responding to the plight of the people who were exposed to accidents and deaths because of the state of the bridges.
He said, “The project started when I noticed the deplorable state of the bridges and realized that they have become deathtraps and a major cause of serious disabilities in the society over the years. I was determined that something has to be done and immediately initiated the project.
“Being aware that this is a federal road, I sought and obtained permission from Works Ministry and the work commenced. We worked closely with the ministry and other relevant bodies and today, the challenges are over and I’m glad this is over.”
The former minister said it was regrettable that the road had not been given any serious attention since the Civil War.
he called on the Fedral Governnemt to award the contract for the building of the road to a competent civil engineering company, not Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
He noted further that the contract supposedly awarded for the construction of the road over a year ago had been ignored completely to the detriment of the people.
Minister of Works, Arc Mike Onolememe, in his remarks, thaked Danjuma for his generosity.
The minister who was represented by a director in the ministry, Engr. M. R. Muhammad, said, “Your generosity is most appreciated. The task of development cannot be left to the government alone and I call on the people to emulate this kind gesture.”
