The Authority of the Nigerian Army has debunked the reports of mass resignation of its soldiers from the service owing to corruption, low morale, and several other factors.
In a statement released by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, the Army Public Relations, the reports were described as baseless.
A news platform had reported on an alleged mass resignation of Nigerian soldiers over corruption, low morale, among others, but the statement further described the report as not only misleading, but also a calculated attempt to sow the seeds of disaffection and acrimony, as well as diminish the patriotic service of personnel and reputation of the Nigerian Army.
What They’re Saying
The statement read,
“Consequently, it is crucial to clarify that service in the Nigerian Army, like most militaries the world over, is voluntary and not conscriptive. This, therefore, provides that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will.
“The situation is the same as the Nigerian Army. Personnel are at liberty to disengage from time to time in accordance with laid down procedures as contained in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers) alike.
“This process allows for personnel who are about to either mandatorily or voluntarily disengage to adequately prepare and process entitlements, emoluments, pensions, and gratuity for the period of service to the nation,” he said.
Finally, the statement announced that “contrary to the insinuations in the report, Nigerian Army personnel were highly motivated, and their welfare was a top priority under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.”
