The House Representatives Committee probing arms deal appeared to have got more than what they bargained for when the Chief of Army Staff Ibrahim Attahiru, appeared before them on Tuesday.
They were expecting an apologetic man, especially as he had earlier failed to heed their invitation.
They thus demanded an apology and not an explanation concerning his absence.
He however said the explanation he gave was as good as an apology.
The COAS also appeared to have floored them when they asked him questions on arms purchase in the past few years.
He wondered why they had to direct such a question at him, knowing that he is just two months in office.
He said: “The submission before you speaks to the report before you. It is an executive summary. It is very self-explanatory to the extent that it has been pluralised. When you demanded this report, you stated a specific period for which you wanted it.
“You may wish to recall that the Chief of Army Staff took over the mantle of leadership barely two months ago.
“The period for which you want this report having been summarised in the executive summary explained whatever details you require.
“Issues of arms procurement that you so demand to know were done by specific individuals, I will rather you call these individuals to explain to you very specific issues the general explanation is contained in this report.”
As the argument became heated, Chairman of the Committee Olaide Akinremi ruled that the hearing goes into a closed-door meeting and the media were asked to leave the hearing.
