By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – The Board of Inquiry set up by the Nigerian Army in 2015 to investigate petitions and allegations of unprofessionalism and partisan conduct of some officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army during the 2015 General elections, Ekiti and Osun States Gubernatorial elections have submitted its report to the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai.
The Board submitted its report on Monday 11th January, 2016 at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Statement by the acting director, Army public relations, Sani Kukasheka Usman explained that while submitting the report, Chairman of the Board of Inquiry cum the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Adeniyi Oyebade, stated that the Board placed advertorials in the media requesting for memoranda from the public before they commenced sitting in which 23 officers, over 100 soldiers as well as 62 civilians appeared before it.
According to the statement, the Board had made far reaching recommendations that would assist the Nigerian Army and the nation in future.
It stated further that, two officers were recommended for compulsory retirement from the Nigerian Army; three were to lose their command, while one was recommended for prosecution for collecting financial gratification.
Other recommendations included placing 15 officers on a watch list; nine officers were to be further investigated by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission over allegations leveled against them; six officers were to face an audit committee, while 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 counseling.
The GOC thanked the Nigerian Army for the opportunity to serve while reiterating the Board’s members’ willingness to serve when called upon for another assignment. He also acknowledged the support and cooperation they received from the Nigerian Police and other security agencies, as well as the general public.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai while receiving the report, thanked the Board for a thorough and dispassionate job devoid of influence 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.
Buratai 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 – adding that, the Nigerian Army would continue to remain professional and apolitical in the discharge of its responsibilities.
