Former Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, has urged Nigerians to dismiss a widely circulated online report that alleged a controversial motive behind his recent resignation from office.
In a personally signed statement released on Wednesday, Badaru condemned the publication, describing it as a “malicious, false, and baseless” story crafted to mislead the public.
The online report had falsely claimed that he stepped down because he “cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers (bandits) in the forest.”
Badaru insisted the publication was the handiwork of “mischief makers,” adding that it was designed to damage his reputation and create a rift between him and President Bola Tinubu.
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According to him, “I wish to state categorically and unequivocally that this publication is entirely false, deliberately mischievous, and did not originate from me or from any authorised representative acting on my behalf.
“The intent behind this fabrication is clear: to tarnish my hard-earned reputation, sow discord between me and the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and create needless distractions from the important work of governance.”
Reaffirming the earlier explanation provided by the Presidency, the former minister maintained that his resignation was solely due to health concerns.
“The true and valid reasons for my resignation were formally communicated to Mr President and subsequently made known to the public through conventional and social media platforms. Any suggestion of an alternative or inflammatory motive is a complete falsehood engineered by mischief makers,” he said.
Badaru also restated his loyalty to the President, the ruling APC, and the Nigerian people.
“I wish to reassure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the good people of Nigeria that I remain firmly committed to the peace, security, and stability of our nation. My loyalty to the President and unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda remain intact.
“I also reaffirm my full dedication to the continued success of our great party, the APC, at all levels, particularly as we approach the 2027 general elections,” he added.
The Presidency had on Monday confirmed his resignation on health grounds. Badaru, who served as Defence Minister from August 2023, was succeeded on Wednesday by former Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa.
