Babatunji Wusu –
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has acted decisively in response to reports of mistreatment of civilian employees at Command Secondary School Iyana Ipaja.
In response to recent concerns expressed by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Lagbaja took action.
Recall that the Joint Executive Council’s civilian Ministry of Defense employees previously organized a rally to voice their outrage over the military’ alleged abuse of their members.
Didam Joel, the President of the Council, announced that a ministry employee who is not a military personnel has been held by military officials for a month.
Joel further emphasized that, in violation of civil service regulations, an assistant director of the ministry employed at Command Secondary School in Lagos was similarly brutalized.
The COAS reaffirmed his strong commitment to defending the rights of all personnel, including civilian staff, in response to these worries.
“He has directed the Provost Marshal (Army) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the unfortunate incident at the Command Secondary School Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. The investigation will comprehensively address all allegations raised by the ASCSN, with a focus on ensuring accountability and justice for all parties involved,” reads the statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu on Tuesday.
The Nigerian Army has acknowledged the crucial contribution of civilian employees in aiding its activities and daily management and thus commits to creating a constructive and respectful atmosphere for everyone.
Despite recognizing that there might be instances of confusion or lack of communication, Lagbaja mentioned that the current inquiry is focused on offering understanding and taking appropriate actions to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
“The NA is committed to upholding the rule of law and respect for the rights of all its employees, including the fundamental rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
“Currently, the NA is actively engaging with the Ministry of Defence and the ASCSN to address any outstanding issues and promote a cordial working relationship and industrial harmony. The NA strongly believes that open communication and collaboration are key to resolving challenges, and is fully committed to maintaining these principles,” the statement added.
As the investigation progresses, the NA urged all parties to refrain from making premature judgments or spreading misinformation.
“Trust in the process is essential, and the NA is confident that the investigation will provide a clear and accurate understanding of the situation to facilitate appropriate and fair actions. We appreciate the patience and understanding of all stakeholders, as we diligently work to address these concerns,” the statement added.
