Badaru denies claim of resigning over US, military action in the north

Mohammed Badaru, former minister of defence, says a viralpublication alleging he resigned over military operations is “entirely false”. Badaru announced his resignation in a letter dated December1 and sent to President Bola Tinubu, citing health reasons. In a statement on Wednesday, Badaru said his attention wasdrawn to an online post claiming he resigned because he “cannot stand and watchthe US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest”. He said the claim was invented to smear his name, addingthat the authors of the post intended to drive a wedge between him and Tinubu. “My attention has been drawn to a malicious, false andbaseless publication circulating online, alleging that I stated I resigned asminister of defence because I ‘cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubugovernment bombing our brothers in the forest’,” he said. “I wish to state categorically and unequivocally that thispublication is entirely false, deliberately mischievous, and did not originatefrom me or from any authorised representative acting on my behalf. “The intent behind this fabrication is clear: to tarnish myhard-earned reputation, sow discord between me and the Commander-in-Chief, HisExcellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and create needless distractionsfrom the important work of governance.” Badaru added that his genuine reasons for stepping down hadalready been formally conveyed to the president and made public. “The true and valid reasons for my resignation were formallycommunicated to Mr President and subsequently made known to the public throughconventional and social media platforms,” he said. “Any suggestion of an alternative or inflammatory motive isa complete falsehood engineered by mischief-makers.” The former minister pledged continued loyalty to thepresident and support for the ruling party. “I wish to reassure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, theleadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the good people ofNigeria that I remain firmly committed to the peace, security and stability ofour nation,” he said. “My loyalty to the President and unwavering support for theRenewed Hope Agenda remain intact. “I also reaffirm my full dedication to the continued successof our great party, the APC, at all levels, particularly as we approach the2027 general elections.” Following his exit, Tinubu appointed Christopher Musa asdefence minister. Musa was confirmed bythe senate after his on Wednesday.

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