The Personal Assistant to the President on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie says there is nothing illegal in the release of $1billion approved for the Armed Forces for the procurement of military equipment.

“The NEC made up of state governors approved the $1billion given to the military to purchase arms. The state houses of assembly approved same. There is no illegality in the release of funds to the military,” Onochie said.

In December last year, the NEC chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo approved the withdrawal of $1billiion from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) to fight insecurity in the country.

The Presidency also made further clarifications on the approval of the said funds, saying that President Muhamadu Buhari’s approval is not final as it marks just a stage in the process of releasing the fund.

Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity had this to say on Friday when he featured on a Channels Television programme:

“A lot of the judgments are hasty. After the Federal Executive Council approval, ministers will go to the President. They will seek approval of the President of the council. The council will approve and then go to the National Assembly.

“The process has begun, it’s not concluded, therefore everyone will be involved. Mr. President will not breach the constitution of this country. Approval at that level is granted, there is nothing controversial.”

Although Garba could not provide specific details of what the funds would be used for, he said the Armed Forces needed to be restocked to take care of the numerous security challenges across the country.

The announcement of the release of the funds which was made by the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali has been greeted with criticisms from many Nigerians who argue that the approval for such funds should be done by the National Assembly and not the President.