The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed an investigation into an incident between some soldiers and civilian staff at the Command Day Secondary School, Iyana Paja.
A statement by the spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, says this is in response to the recent concerns raised by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, (ASCSN), regarding the treatment of civilian workers.
The statement adds that the Chief of Army Staff, in his unwavering commitment to upholding the rights of all personnel, including civilian staff, 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.
Furthermore, he says the Nigerian Army recognises the vital role that civilian staff play in supporting its operations and day-to-day administration, and is therefore, dedicated to fostering a positive and respectful working environment for all personnel.
While acknowledging that misunderstandings or miscommunications may occur, the ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity, and implement necessary measures, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Army said it 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 Army 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 statement is urging that as the investigation progresses, all parties should refrain from making premature judgements, or spreading misinformation.
A report says the victim, Mr. Akhigbe, said a soldier was punishing some students by asking them to roll inside a muddy puddle that formed after the rain in Lagos, and he was accused of recording the scene, which he denied.
A lieutenant asked him to surrender his phone to him if he was sure he didn’t make a video of the scene, and he refused, claiming his phone was his personal property.
The report further states that the soldiers descended on him, because he was rude to their superior.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
