As the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) of Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence on Tuesday protested alleged brutalisation of their colleagues by military personnel at Command Secondary School Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered investigations into the incident.
The protesters had blocked the entry and exit of the Ministry of Defence complex, alleged that their colleagues were being brutalised without regard for civil laws.
Chairman of the Joint Executive Council, the umbrella body of affiliate unions of civilian staff in the ministry, Didam Joel, lamented that the civilian staff are now endangered species who were being britalised without regard for civil laws.
Recalling incidents against the civilian staff, Joel alleged that an Assistant Director was brutalised on Monday in Lagos, lamenting that they could no longer bear the situation.
Joel said: “What led to this action is the incident that happened yesterday. The video of the incident trended. One of our Assistant Directors was brutalised by private soldiers at the Command Secondary School in Ipaja, Lagos.
“Some months back, they killed one of our colleagues. Up till today, we have not seen any action. Also, last month a civilian staff was locked in the guard room. It was because we involved the permanent secretary that he was released. We are an endangered species in the Ministry of Defence.”
Following the incident, Joel noted that all civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence nationwide have withdrawn their services.
“That is why as a union we directed our members to withdraw their services from the Ministry of Defence formations. So, nationwide, we are withdrawing our services to the Ministry until we see the Minister of Defence and then we will give them our demand.
“We are endangered. We don’t know who will be the next. This is too much and we cannot take it again. We must put a stop to this brutality and killing of civilian staff. If they can’t defend and protect us, there won’t be a need for the Ministry of Defence in Nigeria.”
A statement by Nigerian Army Spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, while announcing the directive to conduct urgent investigations into the incident, said: “The Chief of Army Staff , in his unwavering commitment to upholding the rights of all personnel, including the civilian staff, 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.
“The Nigerian Army (NA) recognizes the vital role that civilian staff play in supporting its operations and day to day administration and is therefore dedicated to fostering a positive and respectful working environment for all personnel. While acknowledging that misunderstandings or miscommunication may occur, 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.
“As the investigation progresses, the NA urges 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.”
