Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has made an impassioned appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to reinstate 38 Nigerian Army officers who were allegedly retired prematurely eight years ago under questionable circumstances. The legal luminary, who serves as counsel to the affected officers, highlighted the need for justice and fairness in addressing the matter.
In a statement made to journalists on Wednesday, Falana revealed that the officers were forced into retirement on June 9, 2016, by the Nigerian Army. The affected individuals include nine major generals, 11 brigadier generals, seven colonels, and 11 lieutenant colonels, all of whom were relieved of their duties without any proven allegations of misconduct.
Falana stressed that the action taken against the officers was not only unjust but also patently illegal. He noted that due process was completely disregarded during the decision-making process, denying the officers the right to a fair hearing as guaranteed by the Constitution. According to him, both the National Industrial Court of Nigeria and the National Assembly have ruled in favor of the officers, calling for their immediate reinstatement.
He stated, “As the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, I wish to inform President Tinubu that what happened to the 38 Army officers under the previous administration is incredible and unfortunate. The infamous action taken against these officers is patently illegal, unjustified, and a clear violation of their rights. The Nigerian Army cannot and should not treat the valid and subsisting orders of the National Industrial Court and the resolutions of the National Assembly with levity.”
Falana further urged President Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment to justice and the rule of law by reversing the decision of the past administration. He emphasized the need to restore the officers to their rightful positions and ensure that such a miscarriage of justice does not recur within the armed forces.
He continued, “The 38 officers committed no offense that warranted their dismissal. Their forced retirement not only disregarded the principles of equity but also tarnished the integrity of the military institution. It is imperative for the Tinubu administration to rectify this grave injustice and restore confidence in the system.”
The case of the 38 officers remains a significant point of contention, with many observers calling on the federal government to act swiftly in addressing the grievances. Falana’s appeal reflects the broader demand for accountability and adherence to the rule of law in the management of the nation’s armed forces.