In response to recent concerns raised by the association of senior civil servants of Nigeria regarding the treatment of civilian workers at command secondary school Iyana Ipaja, the chief of army staff, lieutenant general Taoreed Lagbaja, has pledged to take decisive actions to address the situation.
The move follows a protest staged by the civilian staff of the ministry of defence under the umbrella of the joint executive council, over the alleged brutalisation of their members by soldiers.
Responding to the protests, lieutenant general Lagbaja expressed his unwavering commitment to upholding the rights of all personnel, including civilian staff. He emphasized that the Nigerian army recognizes the vital role civilian staff play in supporting its operations and day-to-day administration and is dedicated to fostering a positive and respectful working environment for all personnel.
The COAS made this known in a statement signed by the Director Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu on Tuesday. According to the spokesman, the chief “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,”
While acknowledging that misunderstandings or miscommunications may occur, Lagbaja stated that the ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity and implement necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The NA 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 NA 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 NA strongly believes that open communication and collaboration are key to resolving challenges, and is fully committed to maintaining these principles,” the statement added.
As the investigation progresses, the NA urged all parties to refrain from making premature judgments or spreading misinformation.
“Trust in the process is essential, and the NA is confident that the investigation will provide a clear and accurate understanding of the situation to facilitate appropriate and fair actions. We appreciate the patience and understanding of all stakeholders, as we diligently work to address these concerns,” the statement read.
