Brigadier – General Ahmed Taiwo, the representative of the Nigerian army, who testified before the Justice Doris Okuwobi Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution on the alleged atrocities of the disbanded Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), on Saturday, says only President Muhammadu Buhari can order the deployment of soldiers
According to a statement posted by Mr Gboyega Akosile, Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor on THE IMPACT platform, General Taiwo stated under cross-examination by counsel to the Lagos State Government, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN).
The army general admitted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu does not have the authority to give orders to troops.
He added that the State Governor could only have made the request for them to be deployed.
General Taiwo also said it was not true that the Nigerian Army was looking to nab entertainer DJ Switch over the role she played in giving the impression that people were massacred at the Tollgate plaza.
“Some people take delight in misrepresenting Nigeria and particularly the Nigerian Army to the international community and our fellow Nigerians. This, I believe is done for pecuniary gains.
“Quite recently, a Nigerian, Catherine Udeh, also known as DJ Switch, claimed the Nigerian Army was looking for her. There is nothing further than the truth.
“My Lord, we have bigger fish to fry; and that is how to stabilise Lagos. We can’t be bothered chasing one or two people. Where she got that from, I do not know, ” he said.
