Ekiti Guber Election: Army panel submits report, recommends compulsory retirement for officers

After several high-powered Board of Inquiry constituted by the Nigerian Army to investigate allegations of unprofessional conduct of its officers during the 2014 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states on Monday submitted its report to the Chief of Army Staff at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, recommending the compulsory retirement of two officers.

Chairman of the Board and General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade, while submitting the report, stated that the Board placed advertorials in the media requesting for memoranda from the public before sitting was commenced, adding that a total of 23 officers and over 100 soldiers appeared before it as well as 62 civilians.

A statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, (DAPR) Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said that the Board made far reaching recommendations that would assist the Nigerian Army and the nation in the future, stressing that two officers were recommended for compulsory retirement from the Nigerian Army, three were to lose their command and one was recommended for prosecution for collecting financial gratification.

The statement reads, “Other recommendations include placing 15 officers on watch list, nine officers were to be further investigated by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) over allegations levelled against them. While six officers were to face an audit committee and 62 officers (mostly of the rank of Majors-below) were to be given Letters of Displeasure and to appear before their respective General Officers Commanding for counselling.”

The Board Chairman went on to thank the Nigerian Army for the opportunity to serve and reiterated the Board’s members’ willingness to serve when called upon for any other such assignment. He also acknowledged the support and cooperation they received from the Nigerian Police and other security agencies, as well as the general public.

Responding, the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, commended the Board for a thorough job without been influenced from any quarters.

He expressed delight that the Board, knowing the gravity and implication of their report on the careers of officers and impact on the Nigerian Army, discharged their assignment diligently and professionally. He assured them that the report would be reviewed accordingly, in line with Nigerian Army’s legal and administrative procedures.

The Army Chief also enjoined members of the Board to share knowledge acquired in the course of their assignment with their colleagues for the benefit of the Nigerian Army and the nation. He further reiterated assurances that the Nigerian Army would continue to remain professional and apolitical in the discharge of its responsibilities.