Ubong Sampson – Uyo
Reaction by the authority of the Nigerian army to a trending video online has spelt doom for a female officer identified as Lt. Chika Viola Anele who in the video, was seen assaulting a National Youth Corp (NYSC) member identified as Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia.
A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Onyeama Nwachukwu revealed that the commander of the 13 Brigade, Calabar where Anele is serving, had instituted an investigation and interim sanction on the officer, who the statement claimed, would be made to undergo regimental orders (trial) in line with the extant provisions of the Armed Forces Act.
The statement also denied claims that the Brigade attempted to cover up the officer’s act of assault, maintaining that the Nigerian army remains a professional force that has zero tolerance for indiscipline amongst its personnel.
Describing the act as condemnable, unprofessional and against established precepts of discipline in the Nigerian army, the statement noted that such act of indiscipline does not in anyway represent the force and will not be condoned in its entirety.
The statement also admitted that the officer’s actions has caused the force monumental embarrassment.
While reassuring that the rights of the citizenry is sacrosanct and must be respected by all personnel of the Nigerian army, as any form of infraction will be severely dealt with, the statement enjoined the public to continue to report such infractions, noting that the human rights desks in all formations of the army are emplaced to deal decisively with such erring personnel.
The statement further expressed an unreserved apology from the Nigerian army to the victim, her family members, friends, the National Youth Service Corps and to Nigerians in general for what it referred to as the unwholesome treatment meted out to the corps member.
