Why service chiefs were seen at ‘Next Level’ event – Presidency

The Presidency yesterday explained why service chiefs were seen at the launch of President Muhammadu Buhari campaign manual ‘Next Level’ on Sunday at the State House, Abuja.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadiq and Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas were sighted at the venue of the launch, prompting the campaign organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar to express reservations.

The spokesperson of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, Mr. Segun Sowunmi, was quoted as saying, “the presence of the service chiefs at such a political gathering showed that Buhari as the commander-in-chief had compromised the heads of the military agencies.”

But the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in an email last night, said the service chiefs left before the event commenced.

“They were mistaken in their assumption that the event was a non-political event, to showcase the achievements of the administration, the success of which they are a part of.”

“Hardly were they seated when the Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Mansur Dan-Ali (Rtd) asked them to leave as this was a political gathering.”

“They quickly left, even before the arrival of the president and for the event to get underway. The fuss over this in therefore absolutely unnecessary,” he said.