By Ayo Kehinde
The Nigerian Army has strongly denied any association with one Haruna Garba Gololo, popularly known as Garus Gololo, following reports identifying him as a retired General of the Nigerian Army in connection with comments allegedly made about the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In a disclaimer issued on Tuesday, the Army described the claim as false and misleading, insisting that Gololo had never served in the Nigerian Army in any capacity, either as a commissioned officer or enlisted personnel.
The military authority was reacting to a publication by Sahara Reporters titled, “Retired Nigerian Army General Arrested in Abuja After Criticising Senate President Akpabio Over 2027 Comments”.
Rejecting the report in its entirety, the Army said the portrayal of the individual as a retired General was capable of creating wrong impressions in the minds of the public and damaging the integrity of the institution.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to categorically state that the said individual is neither a serving nor retired personnel of the Nigerian Army and has never at any time served in the Nigerian Army in any capacity whatsoever. He was never our officer”, the Army declared, while urging members of the public to disregard the attribution.
The Army further warned media organisations against publishing unverified claims concerning the Armed Forces, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy and responsible journalism.
“Consequently, it is imperative that media organisations exercise due diligence and uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism in matters relating to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and national institutions”, the statement added.
The military also called on media platforms responsible for the report to issue immediate corrections in order to halt the spread of misinformation capable of undermining public trust and institutional credibility.
Reaffirming its constitutional responsibilities, the Nigerian Army said it remained committed to professionalism, transparency and the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
