Embattled former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), has cleared the air on his involvement in the 1985 coup that led to the ouster of incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, then a military Head of State.
“General Buhari should know who he should blame,” he told blogger Yushau Shuaib in an interview.
Recalling events that led to the coup, Dasuki disclosed how he and two young military officers (still alive) travelled to Jos to brief Major General Buhari who was then the GOC of 3rd Armoured Division on the furtherance of the planning of the 1983 coup, which made Buhari the major beneficiary of the ouster of the elected President Shehu Shagari.
He said Buhari, in one of their interactions, expressed his bitterness about insinuations on his stewardship in one of the public institutions.
Dasuki noted that he assured Buhari not to worry about such reckless and mischievous insinuations.
On his participation in the coup that saw the exit of Buhari less than two years after he became Head of State, Dasuki said Buhari cannot say he is not aware of the man behind the act.
On his alleged maltreatment of Buhari after the coup, he responded: “I always respect and dignify my seniors and those in positions of authority whether in service or after.
“Though a young officer, I was reluctant to be among those that arrested him. I was not. I only met him afterward at Bonny Camp with Lawal Rafindadi. There is no way I could have maltreated him as being alleged in some quarters. I am glad most of the actors are still alive.”
Dasuki further recalled how he and others confronted late General Sani Abacha over June 12 election which was won by Chief Mashood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO).
On his roles in politics, Sambo Dasuki narrated how he supported the campaign aspiration of Muhammadu Buhari for presidential elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011.
He mentioned names of individuals who were also privy to his active involvement.
Dasuki also in the chat with the blogger disclosed that he campaigned for Buhari to emerge the joint candidate of ACN and CPC in 2011.
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