Col. Sambo Dasuki, has sworn that he never maltreated nor took part in maltreating President Muhammadu Buhari when Buhari was removed in a 1985 coup as military Head of State.
In a chat with blogger, Yushua Shauib in Abuja, the sacked National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), has sworn that he never maltreated nor took part in maltreating President Muhammadu Buhari when he, as military Head of State, was removed in a 1985 coup, as being erroneously alleged.
“I always respect and dignify my seniors and those in positions of authority whether in service or after. Though a young officer, I was reluctant to be among those that arrested him. And I was not.
"I only met him afterward at Bonny Camp with Lawal Rafindadi. There is no way I could have maltreated him as being alleged in some quarters. I am glad most of the actors are still alive.”
Col. Dasuki made the disclosure and stated that he knelt down begging Baba Bisi Akande, who was then Chairman of Action Congress Nigeria (ACN) in the presence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to accept then General Buhari as the joint presidential candidate for ACN and CPC, because “General Buhari is a man to be trusted.”
“In the belief that Yoruba and south-westerners are never religious fanatics, especially regarding politics, me and my group suggested that Tinubu should be a running mate to Buhari.
"When other elements opposed that proposition, Tinubu team therefore recommended a Buhari-Osinbajo ticket. Unfortunately, the ticket failed to stick as Pastor Tunde Bakare was eventually pushed forward by other forces.”
Speaking further, he recalled how prior to the 1983 coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari, himself and two young military officers, who are still alive, travelled to Jos to brief General Buhari, who was then the GOC of 3rd Armoured Division, on the furtherance of the planning of the 1983 coup, which made Buhari the major beneficiary.
“Buhari expressed his bitterness about insinuations on his stewardship in one of the public institutions, but I assured the then GOC not to worry about such reckless and mischievous insinuations.”
Asked why he participated in the ouster of Buhari less than two years afterward ousting Shagari, Dasuki simply answered that General Buhari should know who to blame.