The Nigerian Army has reacted to reports that 25 soldiers have resigned due to allegations of corruption.
In a statement on Thursday, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. General Onyema Nwachukwu said voluntary retirement or discharge is a routine process in the army and not a new development.
Nwachukwu said in a statement that the report published by Sahara Reporters, an online medium, is merely to dampen the morale and fighting will of the loyal and patriotic troops of the Nigerian Army.
The Army spokesperson noted that the voluntary retirement and discharge of the 25 soldiers approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja is in line with best practices and Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Soldiers/Ratings/Airmen (Revised) 2017.
He urged the general public to discountenance in the manipulative insinuations peddled in the said publication as it is ‘glaring unsubstantiated.’
Nwachukwu noted that: “The Nigerian Army is compelled to respond to insinuations in a publication by Sahara Reporters, an online media, attributing the resignation of 25 soldiers to allegations of corruption against the Nigerian Army. While it is true that approval was given for the voluntary discharge of the soldiers, the insinuation that the soldiers are proceeding on voluntary discharge due to alleged corruption is an implausible effort to frantically dampen the morale and fighting will of the loyal, dedicated and patriotic troops of the NA, engender disaffection in the ranks and ultimately put the nascent Nigerian Government and nation in a panic mode.
“Given the pedigree of the publishers of the tarnishing story, whose concerted effort has always being devoid of national peace and stability, but rather characterized 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 realizes 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.
“It is on record that the NA has continuously strived to provide a supportive and conducive work environment and conditions for its personnel. This is evident in the NA’s continuous efforts to improve its operational capabilities, including the injection of equipment into the theaters of operations, prompt payment of operational allowances, including the Ration Cash Allowance recently increased by the new Chief of Army Staff , massive construction of new accommodation and extensive renovation of old and dilapidated buildings.
“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 Director, Army Public Relations, stated.
