…SAYS IT’S ROUTINE IN NA
The Nigerian Army has, again corrected wrong insinuations about voluntary retirement or discharge from the Nigerian Army by personnel, saying that it is routine in the force.
The army was reacting to a publication by an online media, Sahara Reporters that the resignation of 25 soldiers was hinged on corruption.
According to a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu on Thursday in Abuja, said 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.
According to his explanation, “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.
He further explained that “the medium and its owners need to be schooled to understand that the NA is not a conscript Army and that recruitment into the NA is voluntary, with extant policies on discharge and retirement of soldiers and officers respectively, like other organizations.
“This provides its personnel the opportunity to apply for voluntary discharge or retirement when they deem fit and meet the terms and conditions stipulated in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service Soldiers/Ratings/Airmen (Revised) 2017.
“It is the inalienable right of personnel to voluntarily or on medical grounds apply for discharge. Therefore, It is not an aberration for the COAS to approve the voluntary discharge of soldiers, who willingly applied and satisfy the terms for discharge from the NA, contrary to the mischievous manipulation of the occurrence by the media in question.
“Given the pedigree of the publishers of the tarnishing story, whose concerted effort has always been 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.
“These are in addition to the huge financial commitment to the medical needs of wounded-in-action soldiers, including medical evacuation overseas, award of scholarships to children and wards of fallen heroes, and other unique interventions in the theatres of operations to sustain the heightening morale of troops.
“Equally important, is the deliberate implementation of the Army Headquarters plan for troops’ rotation from the frontline. Hence, issues of overstay and battle fatigue are gradually being surmounted and becoming a thing of the past.”
Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu further reiterated 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.
He urged the general public to discountenance the manipulative insinuations peddled in the said publication as it is glaringly unsubstantiated.
