Onaghise: Military in politics polluted soldiers’ lifestyle

Brigadier General Patrick Eghosa Onaghise (rtd) served in the military between 1974 and 2006. He taughtat the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) and the Command and Staff College, Jaji, at different times. He spoke to ALEMMA-OZIORUVA ALIU on how the military lost it.

While you were there, what was your impression about the military’s involvement in politics?
At the time I entered service in 1974, I was barely 21 years old, so, I did not know whether it was a good thing or not, but as I grew in the military, and attended courses, I began to see that it was an aberration.

When we were growing up in the army, we never thought about salary. I, in particular, and many others, never thought about salary or money. In my address to my troops when I was pulled out of the service, I stated there that I never cared whether they were going to pay salaries or not, but I was interested in the job. What I am telling you now, I can say it anywhere, I did not take one kobo belonging to the army and if myself and the army were to do account balancing, after I left, the army will be owing me, because there were certain things that I did with my money, because wanted to succeed. As a matter of fact, in the beginning, it was not common for people to steal like this. Yes, there were rogues and people, who came with such ambition, but before they grew enough to become anything in the army, the law caught up with them and they were flushed out.

I know of some officers among my mates that were dismissed for sums ranging from N200 to N1,000. Then, they were paying us on the pay table; it was your responsibility to make sure money given to you was properly counted so that no soldier is left unpaid. Officers, who committed errors like that were charged and dismissed. Then, people were not looking forward to amassing wealth, that was why until very recently, officers were not even thinking about where they will stay after service.

It was believed that, because the army provided you accommodation, whatever way it is, you were satisfied, you just live on and keep doing the job. Those who have magnetic fingers got flushed out immediately. What we are seeing now is the effect of military intervention in politics. We often say that the Nigerian public has been militarised, we also say that military has been civilianised, because of the contact with civilians. Military intervention exposed a lot of people to the type of life that were not meant for the military. So, that is why you see well-trained officers getting involved in things that are uncomplimentary and things that bring shame and disgrace to those of us who once wore this uniform.

How do you feel about all these?
This is the most embarrassing moment in my life after retirement. I am very proud of the military profession. I have always thought that the military is the most honest profession, and honest men were found there. I want to say that I’m ashamed of what is happening. Some of these officers went through proper training, what I don’t know is where they got it wrong. I feel very bad, I must tell you the truth.