Channels Television Interview: No Arrest Order On Comdr. Kunle Olawunmi – DHQ
BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Saturday said that retired Commodore Kunle Olawunmi, who appeared on Channels Television is on the military reserve list and was only invited via SMS and voice by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to further furnish the AFN with relevant and pressing security information which he may be opportuned to have knowledge of as a Professor of Global Security Studies.
The DHQ stated this while reacting to an online news publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that the DIA ordered the arrest of Cdre. Kunle Olawunmi (rtd) for recently appearing on Channels Television programme (Sunrise Daily).
A statement by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyer, said the proposed meeting between the DIA and the retired senior Navy officer was intended to get credible tips on boosting the fight against terrorism/insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes.
Sawyer said that Olawunmi was not asked to come along with his international passport, adding that this in no way constitute any form of arrest as speculated by Sahara Reporters.
The DHQ further said; “It is very sad that an online media like Sahara Reporters would capitalize on a proposed meeting between an agency and its stakeholder to paint the story in a manner intended to portray the military as draconic government agency acting in a crude manner.
“The Armed Forces may not want to join issues with Sahara Reporters for the scandalous and malicious publication insinuating that it’s Agency has ordered the arrest of Cdre Olawunmi (rtd) for sharing his views on matters of defence and national security”.
It urged the public to note that the AFN is a professional entity that will continue to be responsive to all credible information that will promote peace and unity of the country.
According to Sawyer; “As you will recall, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor has just completed his tour of the 6 Geo-Political Zones where he interacted with retired military officers with a view to rallying them to lend their support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“In this regard, I wish to use this medium to encourage the retired senior officer to come forward to give valuable information to the military authorities as a patriotic citizen who has served meritoriously in Nigerian Navy in various capacities before retirement,” he said.
