When Chika Viola Anele, an army Lieutenant decided to take laws into her hands by assaulting Ifeyinwa Fidelia Ezeiruaku, a Corps member serving with 3rd Brigade in Calabar where she also serve, little did she know that her indiscretion will evoke such a huge public outcry.
Although, their point of disagreement that eventually resulted in the action in the video posted by Agba Jalingo which went viral is yet to be made public as at press time but the fact remains that Anele’s action remains condemnable.
According to a press release from Nigerian Army as signed by Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations on the September 23, 202.
The release unequivocally stated that the Nigerian Army (NA) has taken cognizance of a video clip currently making the rounds on the social media, where a female officer was seen dehumanizing a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Calabar, Cross River State.
They accepted that the act is not only condemnable, but unprofessional and against established precepts of discipline in the Nigerian Army.
“The Nigerian Army has remained undoubtedly the pride of the nation, a symbol of national unity that has consistently being in the vanguard of respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry. It is against this premise that the NA condemns this unimaginable level of infraction by a personnel in its ranks. The NA therefore, condemns in strong terms, this act of gross misconduct. Undoubtedly, the officer’s actions has caused the NA monumental embarrassment and is highly regrettable. This unfortunate act of indiscipline does not in anyway represent the NA and will not be condoned in its entirety.
“For the records, the ugly incident happened in 13 Brigade, Calabar. The Brigade Commander immediately instituted an investigation and the officer involved has been identified and sanctioned on the interim and would be made to undergo regimental orders (trial) in line with the extant provisions of the Armed Forces Act. The submission that the Brigade attempted covering up was therefore misleading, as the NA remains a professional force that has zero tolerance for indiscipline amongst its personnel.” He stated.
In taking responsibility, the Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate and assure the general public that such infractions would not be tolerated from its personnel.
They also reassures that the rights of the citizenry is sacrosanct and must be respected by all personne as any form of infraction will be severely dealt with.
“Therefore, the general public is enjoined to continue to report such infractions, as Human Rights Desks in all formations of the Nigerian Army are emplaced to deal decisively with such erring personnel.” He informed.
Finally, the Nigerian Army wishes to tender unreserved apology to the victim, her family members, friends, National Youth Service Corps and to Nigerians in general for the unwholesome treatment meted out to the Corps member.
