By Chidi Ugwu
The recent publication by Sahara Reporters and similar media platforms, alleging mass resignation of Nigerian Army soldiers over corruption, low morale and the like is not only misleading, but also a deliberate attempt to sew the seeds of disaffection and acrimony, as well as denigrate the patriotic service of personnel and reputation of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement, Major General, Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director, Army Public Relations, consequently, it is crucial to clarify that service in the Nigerian Army, like most militaries the world over, is voluntary and not conscriptive. This, therefore, provides that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will. The situation is the same as the Nigerian Army. Personnel are at liberty to disengage from time to time in accordance with laid down procedures as contained in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers) alike.
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Discharge from the Nigerian Army is routine and in line with laid down procedures. Only in an unorganised army would the discharge of personnel be handled haphazardly; hence, the compilation and release of names routinely, as must have been observed in the case of the Nigerian Army over the years. This process allows for personnel who are about to either mandatorily or voluntarily disengage to adequately prepare and process entitlements, emoluments, pensions, and gratuity for the period of service to the nation.
In the instance cited in the hasty and haphazardly compiled report, due diligence was not taken to ascertain reasons for the discharge of the personnel, other than the spurious allegation of low morale and corruption. Whereas reasons for the discharge of personnel are confidential, they range from voluntary disengagements, medical grounds, pursuit of other professions of interest and endeavours, and community service, amongst others. The notion that soldiers are resigning enmasse due to welfare issues is a gross misrepresentation of reality and certainly not the true picture. Instead, Nigerian Army recruitments are highly competitive and even over subscribed.
Contrary to the insinuations in the report, Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is top priority under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. Suffice to state that within one year of the current leadership, significant strides have been made to improve the standards of living and the overall well-being of personnel and their families. A prime example is the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme, aka AHOOAS, which has been launched across the nation, allowing personnel to choose where to live and own decent post service accommodation. This initiative underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring that personnel enjoy dignified post-service life.
Furthermore, the NA is currently undertaking massive rehabilitation of existing and construction of new infrastructure across Nigerian Army formations, units, and barracks in the country to ensure conducive working and living atmosphere for troops and their families. Additionally, allowances have been regularly paid as at when due for soldiers deployed in operational theaters. This is aside the regular free airliftng of troops proceeding on leaves and passes, as well as free medical evacuation of injured troops for both local and foreign treatments. Military hospitals and medical centres are equally receiving remodeling and upgrading of equipment for efficient service delivery to personnel and their families. These are in addition to combat enablers injected into all theatres of operations across the country to enhance troops’ operational effectiveness and ensure adequate force protection. Personnel capacity development is also receiving adequate attention, as both officers and soldiers are engaged regularly in training activities to build their capabilities in consonance with global best practice.
In light of these phenomenal efforts, one cannot but assert that the leadership of the NA has continued to steadily and consistently walk the talk, as pledged in the COAS Command philosophy to “Transform the Nigerian Army into a well trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.
Therefore, the allegation of widespread resignation due to poor welfare is not only unfounded but also irrational. The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its personnel. It is, however, appalling to witness concerted attempts to distort the truth for sensationalism in the media.
We call on media organizations to verify information before publication and avoid being tools of disinformation. The Nigerian Army will continue to prioritize the welfare and morale of its personnel, ensuring they remain motivated and fully equipped to carry out their duties in defense of the nation.
