The Nigerian Army (NA) high command has said a recent corruption allegation against it seeks to dampen the morale of patriotic troops, engender disaffection, and put government and the nation in panic mode.
Spokesman, Brig. General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Nigerian Army is compelled to respond to insinuations in an online publication, attributing the resignation of 25 soldiers to allegations of corruption.
He said the medium and its owners need to be schooled to understand that the NA is not a conscript army and that recruitment is voluntary, with extant policies on discharge and retirement of soldiers and officers, as obtained in other organisations.
According to him, it is the inalienable right of personnel to voluntarily or on medical grounds apply for discharge. Therefore, it is not an aberration for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to approve the voluntary discharge of soldiers, who willingly applied and satisfy terms for discharge.
Nwachukwu said: “Given the pedigree of publishers of the tarnishing story, whose concerted effort has always being devoid of national peace and stability, but rather characterised by ‘pull him down’ syndrome, disunity, desire for violent disorder, revolution and atrocious propaganda; it does not require a soothsayer to connect the dots, before any discerning mind realises that the publication was sinisterly and treasonably conjectured to deflate the high morale of troops, as all through the report, there was no factual evidence to support the claims.”
He added: “It is on record that the NA has continuously strived to provide supportive and suitable work environment and conditions for its personnel. This is evident in the NA’s continuous efforts to improve its operational capabilities, including injection of equipment into theatres of operations, prompt payment of operational allowances, including the Ration Cash Allowance recently increased by the new COAS, massive construction of new accommodation and extensive renovation of old and dilapidated buildings.
“These are in addition to huge financial commitment to 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 theatres of operations to sustain the heightening morale of troops.
“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.
“The general public is, therefore, enjoined to discountenance the manipulative insinuation peddled in the said publication as it is glaringly unsubstantiated.”
