Nigerian Army Retires Gen. Momoh Over Ekiti State Guber Polls

•Others likely affected

By Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Nigerian Army has sent Brig-Gen. Aliyu Momoh, who was indicted of being complicit in the Ekiti State elections rigging allegations in 2014, on early retirement.

This was confirmed on Sunday by the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, who however clarified that there is nothing like “resignation in the Nigerian Army”, as was reported in some media.

The report quoted Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen. Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali, to have disclosed the plan to end Momoh’s military career in an interview in Washington, DC, by forcing him to resign.

However, Usman clarified that “there’s nothing like ‘resign’ in the Nigerian Army. Yes (he was retired)”.

The Nigerian Army board of inquiry established to investigate the alleged misconduct of some military personnel during the 2014 and 2015 elections, had on January 11, 2016, released a report recommending the compulsory retirement of two officers (Momoh inclusive).

The Board apart from recommending the two officers for early retirement, also advised that three other officers be striped of their command, while another was to face prosecution for collecting financial gratification.

The verdict, which was then confirmed by Usman in a statement, even though did not mention the names of the indicted officers, gave a shade that Momoh who was accused of accepting bribes to rig the last governorship election in Ekiti State in favour of Governor Ayo Fayose, was the main culprit.
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