The Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba
Moro, has described as cheap blackmail allegations that he confiscated a
large cache of fire arms procured for the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence
Corps (NSCDC), saying that he never violated any law or regulation on
weapon.
Moro was reacting to the allegation making rounds in
the press especially in the social media that he has diverted some weapons
meant for some parastatals, especially the NSCDC.
The Minister in a statement Thursday
described such rumours and allegations as “ wicked, mischievous,
malicious and a deliberate attempt to disparage me”.
He said: “I make bold to say that there is no iota of
truth in this. This is outright falsehood and diabolic. If this is
done in the guise of politics, it is unfortunate and sad. It is taking
politics too far”.
“I am a law abiding public officer. By the grace
of God and the magnanimity of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief, Dr.
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, I am a Minister today. I know my limits and very
conscious of tomorrow when I shall be called upon to give account of my
stewardship”.
Moro emphasised that he cannot do anything that would
undermine the high office of a Minister or embarrass the government and people
he swore to serve faithfully.
“I have a pedigree and clean record of service. I
am a patriotic Nigerian. I dare say that no amount of blackmail or
falsehood by the mischief makers would deter my unwavering commitment to serve
my father land”, he said.
He added: “To the best of my knowledge, I am not aware
of any missing fire arms purchased for the Civil Defence Corps, let alone
confiscating same. While I took delivery of the arms and ammunitions
donated to the NSCDC by the Nigerian Army as it is statutorily required as the
supervising Minister.
" It is on record that the Nigerian Army escorted
same to the armoury. It is equally on record that I have since written to
all the State Governors and the Minister of the FCTA to provide armoury for the
NSCDC to safe-keep their arms".
"I am saddened by this unwarranted character
assassination. I cannot imagine how far people can go to bring someone to
disrepute all in the name of politics. I sincerely urge all Nigerians and
foreigners to disregard this tissue of lie in its entirety", he stated.
On the recruitment exercise into the parastatals under
the Ministry of Interior, the minister explained that the parastatals
have their own mechanism or procedures that must of a necessity comply with the
principles of federal character.
He however wondered if the current rounds of allegation
against his person and office is in any way connected with some people’s 2015
ambition, advising them to let him concentrate on his office.
"The 2015 elections are still very far, I am not
standing on the way of any body, I think I deserve to be left alone and
concentrate on my job of being the Minister of Interior for all
Nigerians", he said.
"For the avoidance of doubt, let me assure all
Nigerians and Mr. President, that I have never been a gun runner, am not
a gun runner and will never be a gun runner", he insisted.
"Besides I have never since I was born been
arraigned in any Magistrate Court or for that matter any other court in Nigeria
or else where on gun running charges", he stated.