Connect with us

News

Army investigates female Soldier’s allegation of abuse by male superiors

Published

on

The Nigerian Army has promised to investigate the allegations of a female soldier who accused some senior male officers of abuse and intimidation.

In a viral video, a female soldier without uniform accused some senior male officers of overbearing posture after she turned down overtures for serial intimacy.

However, in a statement on Friday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu Onyema, said the investigation was to ascertain the veracity of her claims.

Onyema also blamed the female soldier for not seeking redress according to the laid-down procedure.

The statement reads, “The Nigerian Army has been inundated with audiovisuals making the rounds on social media of the unprofessional conduct of a female soldier in mufti who claimed to have been maltreated by some senior officers.

“It is instructive to state that, considering the gravity of the allegations, Nigerian Army, as a disciplined force, will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

“It is crucial to point out that contrary to the claims made in the video, the soldier in question has not exhausted the laid-down procedure for seeking redress in the Nigerian Army. This is aside from Human Rights and Gender Desks established in Army Headquarters and across Nigerian Army formations, where complaints about human rights and gender issues are also entertained.

“The Nigerian Army remains a professional force that self-regulates and conducts its activities in adherence to established rules and ethics while upholding the highest standards of discipline amongst personnel.
“We therefore encourage all personnel to always utilise the established channels for addressing grievances and concerns as a member of a noble and disciplined force.”

Onyema pointed out that based on findings from the investigation, tappropriate actions would be taken

“We assure the general public that the Nigerian Army as an institution is committed to upholding the integrity and morals of its personnel and as such, appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

“We urge the public to allow the investigative process to take its course and refrain from making hasty judgments. The Nigerian Army remains dedicated to serving our nation with honor and integrity,” the statement added.

The case is the latest in series of reports of maltreatment by soldiers of the Nigerian army.

Inibehe Effiong, a public interest and human rights lawyer, recently filed a petition to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

Effiong requested that the Army personnel responsible for assaulting police officer ASP Edet Inyang be identified and held accountable for their actions.

According to him, Inyang was subjected to torture by a group of Army personnel near the Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade in Asaba, Delta State.

The incident reportedly took place on December 9, 2023, at a store where the policeman had gone to buy personal items.

Similarly, in November 2023, the Adamawa State Police Command headquarters in Yola was allegedly invaded by the Nigerian Army, where an inspector of police identified as Jacob Daniel was killed.

President Bola Tinubu had in December issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Army to desist from carrying out retaliatory assaults on the police or the civilian population over any provocation

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Power Minister Orders Immediate Action on Grid Collapse Committee’s Recommendations

Published

on

By

Chief Adebayo Adelabu

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and related agencies to immediately implement the recommendations of a committee formed to address frequent grid collapses.
This is happening as TCN acknowledged potential temporary power disruptions as it begins repair work on the national grid.

The directive followed a recent grid disturbance reported at 11:29 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, caused by a sudden frequency increase from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.
The TCN reported that recovery efforts were promptly initiated, with power partially restored within minutes in the Abuja region, though work continued in other areas.

Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media, noted that the committee’s recommendations aim to offer lasting solutions for both immediate and long-term grid stability.

TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah confirmed that the agency has begun implementing these recommendations, which involve technical upgrades and strategic repairs across key areas. Ongoing work includes improvements on the 330kV Shiroro–Mando transmission line, significant upgrades at the Jebba Substation, and restoration of the second 330kV Ugwuaji–Apir line.

According to Mbah, while these enhancements are underway, some intermittent power instability may persist.
The TCN has appealed for public understanding during this period, emphasizing that the measures are critical for achieving a stable and reliable power supply across Nigeria.
The TCN reiterated its commitment to minimizing power disruptions and enhancing the grid’s resilience, recognizing the essential role that stable electricity plays in the country’s economic growth.

Continue Reading

News

Fuel scarcity imminent as NLC declares support for NUPENG’s nationwide strike threat

Published

on

By

A fresh wave of fuel scarcity may soon hit Nigeria as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), after its threat of a nationwide strike.
The strike warning followed an alleged military intervention to forcefully remove oil workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, sparking outrage within labor unions.
NLC President Joe Ajaero in a statement released Friday condemned the reported involvement of military personnel, which he described as a breach of labor rights and a threat to the principles of industrial relations. According to Ajaero, the NLC is in total solidarity with NUPENG in its stance against the alleged forced eviction warning that NLC would escalate its response if such incidents continue.

The dispute popped up following a longstanding industrial disagreement between NUPENG and the rig’s management, who allegedly failed to honor contractual agreements concerning worker severance benefits.
NUPENG has criticized the actions of the oil companies involved—Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labor contractors—for allegedly ignoring legally binding agreements and resorting to what they describe as intimidation tactics.
Earlier in the week, NUPENG filed a petition with the Federal Government to address the conflict, expressing alarm over the deployment of armed forces.
Despite this, it is reported that a special naval unit was flown to the Oritsetimeyin rig on Thursday to eject workers, prompting NUPENG to threaten a nationwide shutdown if the government does not intervene.
In response, Ajaero highlighted the destabilizing effects of military involvement in workplace matters, which he said could damage an already fragile economy and violate workers’ rights.
“We cannot accept the militarization of our workplaces,” he stated, calling on the Nigerian military, the National Security Adviser, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to uphold labor statutes and prevent further harassment of union members.

The NLC also stressed the importance of keeping industrial disputes out of the military’s purview, urging authorities to allow peaceful negotiations to run their course.
“This matter is strictly an industrial relations issue,” Ajaero emphasized, urging the government to protect workers’ rights to fair negotiation without coercion.

With fuel scarcity on the horizon, Nigerians may face disruptions if the strike goes forward, impacting businesses, transportation, and day-to-day activities across the nation.

Continue Reading

News

Akpabio Mourns Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Taoreed Laggaja

Published

on

By

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. Describing Lagbaja as a “fine, committed, and dedicated officer,” Akpabio praised the late military leader for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s security and unity, even at great personal risk.
In a statement by his special assistant on Media Jackson Udom, Akpabio shared that he was shocked by the news, having recently spoken with Lagbaja, who had been optimistic about his return to office.
The Senate President remarked on the significant loss Lagbaja’s death represents for Nigeria, particularly in the nation’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.

“On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District, and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I commiserate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military community, and the Lagbaja family on this great loss,” Akpabio said.

He extended prayers for strength and comfort to Lagbaja’s family, friends, and colleagues and wished for the late officer’s soul to find peace in Aljanah Firdaus.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 National Update