The Nigerian Army has called on the Nigerian Police Force to carry out the immediate arrest of a former spokesperson of the ruling party of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr Timi Frank over an alleged spread of fake news.
The statement which was released by Colonel Aliyu Yusuf of the Director of Army Public Relations accused Timi Frank of spreading fake news about President Buhari and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Burutai on their alleged plans to rig the forthcoming elections in favour of the ruling party.
According to Colonel Aliyu Yusuf, the publication carried allegations levelled against the Army by one Timi Frank, alleged that a purported nocturnal meeting took place between the President C in C of the Armed Forces and the COAS as well as some members of INEC and the President’s cabinet, to rig the forthcoming presidential elections.
“Whilst such an absurdity can be imagined to come from a known disgruntled person like Timi Frank, who has severally tried to malign the person of the COAS,the subsequent lackluster move by Daily Post to publish such unfounded tosh without investigation tells a lot about the reputation of the tabloid.”
“The deluded Timi Frank who claimed “he had incontrovertible evidence provided by sources in the know about the alleged nocturnal meeting” however could not substantiate his accusations with any reasonable facts besides his concocted hogwash.”
“For the record, as well as for the education of the likes of Mr Timi Frank, the President, C-in-C is at liberty to hold a meeting with his Service Chiefs at whatever time most suitable, which was not even the case here, as nothing of such happened.”
“To this end, the Nigerian Army would like to categorically warn mischief makers to steer clear of joining issues with the Institution or its leadership in matters that are purely political.
The Nigerian Army is an apolitical institution and would continue to remain so while carrying out her constitutional responsibilities.”
The Nigerian Army in his statement, then called on the Nigerian Police Force to arrest Mr Timi for his alleged fake news, saying:
“Suffice to add that the NA has reported the said Mr Timi Frank to the NPF for his immediate arrest and prosecution for fake news and related offences against the leadership of the Army.
Finally, the NA also wishes to advise media houses to be fair and professional in their reportage, to avoid being tools in the hands of miscreants.