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Imo Bans All Non Authorised Levy Collection Taskforces

By
The Source
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0
Hope Uzodimma

All persons or groups involved in the reckless collection of levies in Imo State without the strict authorisation of the governor have been asked to desist forthwith or have themselves to blame.

Governor Hope Uzodimma said the consequences that await the refusal of those involved in such acts are huge because his government is no longer prepared to tolerate acts that smear her image.

Governor Uzodimma is particularly concerned about reports of individuals, groups and even political appointees, who harass members of the public under the guise of taskforces and use same to collect levies and impose penalties that are both illegal and criminal.

The Governor insists that the only authorised body in Imo State charged with the responsibility of collecting levies, penalties and other revenues for the government remains the Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS).

He has, therefore, warned that anyone caught in the web of further illegal collections, including political appointees, will face the music squarely, regardless of who the person is.

The areas where the madness over collection of levies, penalties and other fees has taken a worrisome dimension and have caught the attention of the Governor are in the haulage/ truck collections (both day and night) businesses, the municipal daily ticketing in the parks and markets, those going after transportation traffic offenders, among others.

While the ministries and agencies involved in the act have been directed to desist from further collection of such levies, penalties and fees, Governor Uzodimma said anyone

(political appointees inclusive) or group that decides to taste his will on such illegalities by way of ignoring his directive may have to face consequences.

Insecurity In South East: Perpetrators, Sponsors Are Criminals, Not Agitators – Governors; Vow To Fight It With FG

By
The Source
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0
South East Governors

Governors from the South Eastern part of Nigeria rose from their meeting on Thursday in Enugu and resolved to collaborate with the Federal Government to tackle the menace of insecurity threatening the socio-economic life of the people of the region.

The Governors met under the auspices of South East Governors Forum.

They said those behind the insecurity as it is perceived in the South East – both the perpetrators and sponsors – are simply criminals and must be treated as such when arrested in accordance with the law and not be seen as legitimate agitators they claim to be.

The meeting which lasted for several hours at the Enugu State Government House was attended by all the South East Governors – Sen. Hope Uzodimma of Imo State (Chairman of the Forum), Dr. Alex Oti (Abia), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra), Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi) and Dr. Peter MBA of Enugu, as the host.

In a communique read after the meeting by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Uzodimma, flanked  by his brother colleagues, the Governors also commended the Security Agencies for their cooperation and achievements in the zone so far and encouraged them not to relent.

The communique reads in full:

“The Forum firmly resolved to fight insecurity decisively in the region, individually and collectively, in partnership with the federal government of Nigeria and other stakeholders.

“We commend the Security Agencies for their cooperation and achievements thus far and encourage them not to relent.

“We wish to categorically state that the perpetrators of the insecurity and their sponsors in our region are criminals and should not be seen as legitimate agitators.

“Therefore, upon arrest, they should be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.

“The Forum resolved to hold the security and economic Summit for the South East region on a date to be announced soon.”

Meanwhile, fielding questions on the perception that the detention of Nnamdi Kalu was fueling insecurity in the South East,  Governor Uzodimma said: “I don’t know how you want to relate the name Nnamdi Kalu to the kidnappings, the beheading of human beings, the burning down of homes and palaces of traditional rulers to Nnamdi Kalu. But if you have evidence you may wish to approach us after this session.”

On what the Governors are doing to bring him out of detention and possibly relaunch Ebubeagu, the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum said: “That has to do with the details of the programmes of the Forum of Governors, working in partnership with the Federal Government to deal with insecurity in the region. When the details are out, we will let you know.”

Activist Urges Lawmakers To Return “Enjoyment Allowance”; Challenges Asks Them To Publish Account Statements

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday, called on Senators and House of Representatives members to urgently return the money they have illegally collected from the National Assembly as “enjoyment” and “vacation” allowances.

Frank who made this call in a statement in Abuja, insisted that the primary role of the Legislature is to make laws for the order, security and good governance of the country and not to plunder the till.

He wondered why the lawmakers have not deemed it necessary to review the nation’s minimum wage which will benefit the masses in the face of skyrocketing inflation but rather have resorted to helping themselves with funds from taxpayers’ money to catch vacation cruise.

He described the attitude of members of the 10th National Assembly as the worst ever to happen to the country saying they appear to be far removed from the harsh economic realities inflicting excruciating pains on the average Nigerian who elected them into office.

Akpabio had, on Monday night, told Senators that the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Magaji Tambawal, had sent a “token” (money) into their individual bank accounts to “enjoy” their annual “vacation.”

Frank said: “I have been reliably informed that what Akpabio termed token is actually in millions of Naira which belongs to taxpayers.

“According to a Senator from the Northwest geopolitical zone who confided in me, ‘each Senator received N35million while principal officers got N50million each.’

“He equally told me that each House of Representatives member got N30million while their principal officers received N45million each.

“The Senator said he has rejected his own largesse saying: ‘Allah will not forgive me if I collect such an amount for vacation enjoyment while my constituents are suffering hardships. I will spend my vacation with my constituents in the village. I am not traveling to any other place so I don’t need the money.’

“I know Akpabio and his cohorts will rush to deny this but let them do so with evidence by publishing their bank statements for Nigerians to verify for the sake of transparency. I also dare the Clerk to the National Assembly, Magaji Tambawal, to publish the vouchers with which he paid these slush funds into the accounts of legislators.”

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, however flayed Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) for claiming he only received N2million for vacation enjoyment even as he challenged him to publish his bank statement for Nigerians to confirm whether he told the truth or not.

He reiterated his call on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio to resign his position for illegally and boldly distributing the nation’s commonwealth to legislators on national television and for painting the legislature as the most corrupt arm of government in the country.

He equally called on Nigerians to rise up and demand Akpabio’s resignation should the President or Akpabio’s colleagues fail to rise up to the occasion.

He lamented that while the Federal Government has been complaining of lean financial resources and begging Nigerians to be “patient” and “wait” for things to improve, Akpabio could afford to dole out money for enjoyment without any thought about workers who have been crying that their minimum wage should be increased.

“They cannot pay common living wage to Nigerian workers but Akpabio’s Freudian slip is a wake up call for Nigerians to urgently mobilize and take back their country, if the Nigeria Labour Congress fails to take action to protect and defend now impoverished Nigerian workers.

He called on the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other affiliate unions to rise up and genuinely fight for a living wage for Nigerian workers.

“If Akpabio can fight for senators and Members of the House of Representatives to get so much for enjoyment, we expect the organized labour leadership to fight for improved salaries, wages and welfare packages for Nigerian workers devoid of the types of compromise associated with past workers agitations,” he said.

PSC Says Promotion Of Police Officers With Record Of Human Rights Abuses Will Be Withheld

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Solomon Arase

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Police Service Commission, (PSC) Solomon Araze has revealed effort of the commission to put an end to abuse of human rights of the citizens by the police.

He was receiving two delegations from the United States of America, (USA) and the United Kingdom, that (UK) were at the Corporate Headquarters of the PSC in Abuja on Thursday.

The delegations also visited the Commission’s newly established Compliance Monitoring Unit (CMU), a tracking platform on public complaints against serving Nigeria Police Officers, and promised to assist the Commission drastically to reduce human rights abuses by the Police.

This was contained in a statement by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations of the Commission.

The United States Delegation was led by Jason A. Smith, Director International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, while Chris Grimson of the National Agency on Anti- Kidnap and Extortion Unit, (AKEU) visited on behalf of the United Kingdom.

The Commission Chairman told the Visitors that what Nigerians want is a responsible Police Force that would respect the human rights of the citizenry.

Dr. Arase said the Commission decided to set up the Compliance Monitoring Unit to ensure that the rights of the citizens are protected and offending Police Officers sanctioned for misconduct.

He told his visitors that the leadership of the Commission and the Police are united in the fight to stamp out human rights abuses in the Country.

The PSC Chairman assured his visitors that there would be no conflict between the Commission and the Police Management on the operations of the Compliance Monitoring Unit.

He, however, frowned at pre-trial detentions by the Police, noting that the Commission will no longer tolerate detentions beyond what the law provides for.

He declared that the Commission wants to track complaints against Police, stressing that any Officer who has pending human rights cases will not be cleared for promotions or postings.

“Any Officer who has human rights issues not conclusively investigated by the Police Complaints Unit will be stepped down from promotion and postings.”

He called for assistance in the provision of more systems for the CMU as the Commission anticipates several complaints against the Police as the Unit takes shape.

Dr. Smith, leader of the US delegation said they are in Nigeria to assist strengthen the rule of law and especially the Police.

He noted that PSC is a key stakeholder in their project to strengthen the rule of law in Nigeria and promised to work with the Commission to achieve this .

Mr. Grimson of the National Crime Agency of the British High Commission promised to partner with the Commission in the training of the personnel of the Nigeria Police.

He spoke on intelligence sharing, proper investigation so as to break down barriers between the Police and other security agencies in the country.

Second ECOWAS Summit Insists On Force To Restore Democracy In Niger Republic

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
ECOWAS Meeting in Abuja

By Ayodele Oni

Again leaders of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) have directed immediate activation of the use of force against the Niger Republic military junta.

They have also called on the African Union, (AU), partner countries and institutions to support the resolution taken by the sub-regional body.

ECOWAS explained that leaders resolved to use of force as all efforts made to dialogue with Niger Republic military junta have been defiantly rejected by coup leaders.

They flayed continuous detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.

The leaders in a communique after their meeting in Abuja, stated that “after taking note of the expiration of the one week ultimatum given for the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger decide as follows:

“Reiterates its strong condemnation of the attempted coup d’etat and the continued illegal detention of President Mohammed Bazoam, his family and members of his government

“Further condemns the condition in which President Bazoum is being detained and hold the CNSP fully and solely responsible for the safety, security and physical integrity of President Bazoum, members of his family and government.

“Uphold all measures and principles agreed upon by the extra ordinary Summit held on Niger on 30th July 2023.

“Underscore the determination of the ECOWAS authority to keep all options on the table for the peaceful resolution of the crisis.

“Enforce all measures in particular border closures and strict travel bans and assets freeze on all persons or groups of individuals whose actions hinder all peaceful efforts aimed at ensuring the smooth and complete restoration of constitutional order.

“Warn member states, who by their action directly or indirectly, hindered the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger about the consequences for their action before the community.

“Call on the African Union to endorse all the decisions taken by the ECOWAS authority on the situation in Niger.

“Further call on all partner countries and institutions including the United Nations to support ECOWAS, in its effort to ensure a quick restoration of constitutional order, in conformity with its normative instruments.

“Direct the President of the Commission to monitor the implementation of the sanctions.

“Direct the Committee of the chief of defence staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately.

“Order the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.”

Arrest Of Nnamdi Kanu Not Responsible For Banditry In South East

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Southeast Governors  have resolved that perpetrators of killings and kidnappings in the region are criminal elements.

The governors maintained that the arrest and detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu is not responsible for the deteriorating insecurity in the region.

Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma stated these while addressing journalists after the forum’s meeting in Enugu on Thursday.

Uzodimma said: “I don’t know how you relate the name of Nnamdi Kanu with the violence, kidnappings, beheading of human beings, the burning down of homes and palaces of traditional rulers.

“But, if you have any evidence, please you may wish to approach us after this session”.

In a three-point communiqué read out to newsmen, the Southeast governors insisted that perpetrators of the insecurity in the region and their sponsors were criminals and should not be seen as legitimate agitators.

According to the communiqué: “We wish to state categorically that the perpetrators of the insecurity in our region and their sponsors are criminals and should not be seen as legitimate agitators.

“We wish to state categorically that the perpetrators of the insecurity in our region and their sponsors are criminals and should not be seen as legitimate agitators.

“Therefore, upon arrest, they should be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land”.

The forum firmly resolved to fight insecurity decisively in the region individually and collectively, in partnership with the federal government and other stakeholders.

It commended the security agencies for their cooperation thus far and encouraged them not to relent.

The governors, who met with the chief of naval staff, and other security chiefs in their meeting, further resolved to hold the security and economic summit on a date to be announced soon.

Those in attendance are; Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who is the chairman of the forum; Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State; Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State; Alex Otti of Abia State and the host, Peter Mbah of Enugu, the host.

On the plan to relaunch Ebubeagu in the region, Uzodimma said, “That has to do with the details of the programme of the forum of governors working in partnership with the federal government to deal with the insecurity in the region. When the details are out, we will let you know.”

Niger Republic: This Is A Decisive Moment – Bola Tinubu

By
The Source
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0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu

(Being the full text of the address delivered by Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, on the occasion of the Second Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State in Abuja on the Niger Republic Military Putsch which toppled the democratically elected Government)

Let me commence by welcoming you all to the Second (2nd) Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger, within the space of ten days. Your presence here, despite the short notice, demonstrates the unwavering dedication of our esteemed community to finding a lasting solution to the political situation in the Republic of Niger.

Today, we gather with a profound sense of urgency and firm determination, building upon the commitments made during our first Extraordinary Summit, on the grave political crisis befalling our sister nation. During that initial meeting, we voiced our solidarity with the people of Niger and their democratically elected President, H.E Mohamed Bazoum, by condemning the military take over and the unjust detention of their democratically elected President.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, as you may recall, we called on the junta to rescind its decision of toppling a legitimate government. We proceeded to impose sanctions with the hope that this resolute measure would serve as a catalyst for the restoration of the constitutional order in Niger.

Regrettably, the seven-day ultimatum we issued during the first Summit has not yielded the desired outcome. We have also made diligent efforts through the deployment of various ECOWAS mediation teams, to engage the military junta for a peaceful resolution of the political situation.

One of the facilitators, former Head of State of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, would update us on the outcome of his mission to Niamey.

Similarly, as part of a coherent diplomatic initiatives, Special Envoys were dispatched to non-ECOWAS nations, particularly Libya and Algeria. During these engagements, the Envoy designated for Libya had the privilege of an audience with the President of Libya. This discourse resulted in an unequivocal expression of support for the resolutions adopted by ECOWAS aimed at restoring constitutional governance in Niger. In Algeria, the Envoy was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the President of the country.

These initiatives are aimed at presenting a cohesive and united stance regarding the ongoing circumstances in Niger, thus showing a collaborative and concerted approach among African nations.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, following the resolution of our previous Extraordinary Summit to initiate a meeting of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defense Staff, the meeting of the Chiefs of Staff Committee was duly held from 2nd to 4thAugust, 2023. The outcome of that meeting, as well as a Memorandum by the President of the ECOWAS Commission on current socio-political developments in Niger, will be presented during this Summit. These will offer critical insights that will inform our collective decision-making process at this meeting.

Today’s Summit provides a significant opportunity to meticulously review and assess the progress made since our last gathering. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress. Only through this comprehensive assessment can we collectively chart a sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger.

Moreso, in reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach. We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum. It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.

More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognize that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region. By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all.

Esteemed Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I am confident that this 2nd ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger will be a defining moment in our journey towards a stronger, more resilient, and integrated West Africa. Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our fellow Africans as we strive to build a future defined by peace, progress, and prosperity.

In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to each of you for your attention to this critical issue. I trust that our deliberations will be productive and fruitful, leading us to find an amicable solution to the political crisis in Niger.

As we continue to work together in solidarity and harmony, we can ensure a prosperous future for the entire West African region.

With these remarks, I hereby declare this Extraordinary Summit open.

Thank you all, for your attention.

Ijaw Protest, Accuse Ondo Government Of Annexing Land For New Ilaje Council

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Ijaw Protest

By Ayodele Oni

As protest over the planned creation of additional Local Governments in Ondo state continues, Ijaws in Ese-Odo Local Council have accused the State Government of annexing and giving their land to another ethnic group.

They have, therefore, issued  a 21-day ultimatum to the State Government to revert the ceding of the portion of land to Irele and Ilaje Local Government Areas to give birth to a new Ilaje dominated Local Councils Development Areas, (LCDA).

A total of 33 LCDAs were created out of the existing 18 local government areas.

The protesting Ijaws were led by their traditional rulers Sunday Amiseghan, the Kalasuwei of Apoi land and Pere Zaccheaus  Egbunu, the Agadagba of Arogbo-Ijaw.

They issued the ultimatum while staging a protest at the  premises of the state House of Assembly, venue of the public hearing on the Bill for the Creation of  LCDAs.

Areas ceded to Ilaje in the proposed LCDA are Okparama 1 and II and Ogidigba, while part of Apoi 4 and 5 were given to Irele Local Government.

Besides, the protesting Ijaws said they want more LCDAs to be created out of Ese-Odo Local Government instead of ceding their land to Ilaje.

The Kalasuwei of Apoi land, in his speech, vowed that they would defend any action leading to the ceding of their ancestral land.

“We are the only non-Yoruba speaking people in Ondo State. We are ready to defend our cultural and traditional identity. We are making our observations regarding the creation of LCDAs. The Ijaws have been marginalized a long time ago in Ondo State.

“We are special people in Ondo State because we have bitumen and abundant oil. We should be given special condition. We demand for more LCDAs in Ese-Odo.

“We will never concede one inch of our land to either Ilaje or Ikale. The Ondo State Government must withdraw that map.”

Pere Egbunu who was represented by Ondo Chairman, Ijaw National Congress, (INC), Bonsuwei Ominidouha, said they would fight against the ceding of their land.

“We are a peace loving people. We are calling on the Ondo State government to stop the nonsense. INC will fight the course to make sure that one inch of our land will not be ceded.

“The whole of Okparama 1 and II and Ogidigba are ceded to Ilaje. Part of Apoi 4 and 5 are ceded to Irele Local Government. We do not want to fight with anybody. It was failure of leadership that led to the Ijaw/Ilaje crisis and we do not want a repeat of that war.”

ECOWAS Opts For Diplomatic Negotiations With Parties In Niger Republic Military Putsch, Meets Again In Abuja

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
ECOWAS Meeting in Abuja

By Ayodele Oni

A second meeting of West African Heads of States is ongoing in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital with eleven members in attendance.

Welcoming the leaders, President Bola Tinubu said the second summit, coming up ten days after the first one, became imperative because the coup leaders in Niger Republic have refused to bulge despite the ultimatum given them during last meeting to return the Country to democracy.

“Today, we gather with a profound sense of urgency and firm determination, building upon the commitments made during our first Extraordinary Summit, on the grave political crisis befalling our sister nation.

“During that initial meeting, we voiced our solidarity with the people of Niger and their democratically elected President, H.E Mohamed Bazoum, by condemning the military take over and the unjust detention of their democratically elected President.

“As you may recall, we called on the junta to rescind its decision of toppling a legitimate government. We proceeded to impose sanctions with the hope that this resolute measure would serve as a catalyst for the restoration of the constitutional order in Niger.

“Regrettably, the seven-day ultimatum we issued during the first Summit has not yielded the desired outcome. We have also made diligent efforts through the deployment of various ECOWAS mediation teams, to engage the military junta for a peaceful resolution of the political situation.

“One of the facilitators, former Head of State of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, would update us on the outcome of his mission to Niamey.

“Similarly, as part of a coherent diplomatic initiatives, Special Envoys were dispatched to non-ECOWAS nations, particularly Libya and Algeria.

“During these engagements, the Envoy designated for Libya had the privilege of an audience with the President of Libya. This discourse resulted in an unequivocal expression of support for the resolutions adopted by ECOWAS aimed at restoring constitutional governance in Niger.

“In Algeria, the Envoy was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the President of the country. These initiatives are aimed at presenting a cohesive and united stance regarding the ongoing circumstances in Niger, thus showing a collaborative and concerted approach among African nations.

“Following the resolution of our previous Extraordinary Summit to initiate a meeting of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defense Staff, the meeting of the Chiefs of Staff Committee was duly held from 2nd to 4thAugust, 2023.

“The outcome of that meeting, as well as a Memorandum by the President of the ECOWAS Commission on current socio-political developments in Niger, will be presented during this Summit.

“These will offer critical insights that will inform our collective decision-making process at this meeting.

Today’s Summit provides a significant opportunity to meticulously review and assess the progress made since our last gathering.

“It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress.

“Only through this comprehensive assessment can we collectively chart a sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger.

“Moreso, in reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.

“We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum.

“It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.

“More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognize that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region.

“By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all.”

Recent Resignations In Nigeria Army Not Due To Frustration, But Voluntary – Spokesman

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0

By Ayodele Oni

*The Nigerian Army has clarified that officers and men in its service are free to resign at any point of their duty.

Reacting to resignation of 25 soldiers from the military recently, it explained that it was not as a result of allegations of corruption against the Nigerian Army.

Army spokesman, Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, on Thursday, pointed out that “While it is true that approval was given for the voluntary discharge of the soldiers, the insinuation that the soldiers are proceeding on voluntary discharge due to alleged corruption is an implausible effort to frantically dampen the morale and fighting will of the loyal, dedicated and patriotic troops of the NA, engender disaffection in the ranks and ultimately put the nascent Nigerian Government and nation in a panic mode.

“The NA is not a conscript Army and that recruitment into the NA is voluntary, with extant policies on discharge and retirement of soldiers and officers respectively, like other organizations.

“This provides its personnel the opportunity to apply for voluntary discharge or retirement, when they deem fit and meet the terms and conditions stipulated in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service Soldiers/Ratings/Airmen (Revised) 2017.

“It is thus, the inalienable right of personnel to voluntarily or on medical grounds apply for discharge.

“Therefore, It is not an aberration for the COAS to  approve the voluntary discharge of soldiers, who willingly applied and satisfy the terms for discharge from the NA.

“It is on record that the NA has continuously strived to provide a supportive and conducive work environment and conditions for its personnel.

“This is evident in the NA’s continuous efforts to improve its operational capabilities, including the injection of  equipment into the theaters of operations, prompt payment of operational allowances, including the Ration Cash Allowance recently increased by the new Chief of Army Staff , massive construction of new accommodation and extensive renovation of old and dilapidated buildings.

“These are in addition to the huge financial commitment to the medical needs of wounded-in-action soldiers, including medical evacuation overseas,  award of scholarship to children and wards of fallen heroes and other unique interventions in the theatres of operations to sustain the heightening morale of troops.

“Equally important, is the deliberate implementation of Army Headquarters plan for troops’  rotation from the frontline.

“Hence, issues of overstay and battle fatigue are gradually being surmounted and becoming a thing of the past.

“Suffice to state, that the NA under the leadership of Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, probity and professionalism  by providing exemplary and pragmatic leadership, Sound Administration, that will continue to boldly guarantee the welfare and motivation of NA personnel, as well as provide requisite enablers for operational effectiveness, while maintaining public trust.”

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