The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru on Monday refused to apologise to the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee investigating the purchase of arms.
A member of the committee had demanded that he tender an apology for his absence when he was first summoned and also the explanations he gave during the sitting on Monday.
The member said: “When we speak or ask questions, the entire Nigerian people are asking. So when you’re summoned or asked a question, it’s the Nigerian people.
“We need an apology. You just gave an explanation. This is a deal with the Nigerian people and they must be treated with some respect.”
However, the COAS responded by standing his ground, refusing to apologise. He said: “Mr Chairman, just like the last speaker said, we’re partners in progress and I believe so too. When you say I offered an explanation, it’s as good as an apology. It only tells you the reason I was not here and the reasons are cogent enough.
“Even the blind man knows there are problems of internal security in Nigeria. So, I think it suffices to explain to this honourable house my apparent inability to be here when so demanded.
“I’ve had the opportunity here I am before you. I believe we would continue to remain partners in progress and continue to work for the Nigerian people.”
