By Israel Abiodun

The Nigerian Military finally worked up the courage to purge itself of political officers with the announcement that swept out several of such questionable officers. Details are still emerging but the sack which has the approval of the Army Council was attributed to “service exigencies”.
Even though a statement issued by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman did not specify the crimes of the sacked military officers, the affected persons have done a lot of massive self- reporting to confess their crimes. Details of their crimes were outed in online media platforms that are sympathetic to their cause or serving the same principal as the affected persons.
One of such sites went to town with the screamer, “FG Sacks 200 ‘Pro-Jonathan’ Military Officers”. The site thankfully went on to confirm that “loyalty to former President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 general elections” was the alleged grounds on which they were sacked. Nigerians must be reminded that the military is sworn to protect the country and the office of the president symbolises the country but nothing in that oath of allegiance mandates any officer to pursue the political ambition of the individual occupying the office. That would be playing party politics and it is clearly forbidden even if done in furtherance of the current office holder’s interest.
The responsible media organisation provided better insight that linked the sacked officers with defence contracts. The Presidential Committee investigating defence contracts had of course made indictments with of these sacked persons already being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) just as another panel that investigated military partisanship during the 2015 general elections made its own indictments.
The veiled threat to the nation contained in how the retirement of these officers was reported by their media allies therefore showed that not only were they culpable of what they were indicted for they have also shown no remorse about it and have continued along the same track by presenting the consequences of their ill thought actions as political witch-hunt.
For instance, the headline cited earlier followed with a narration that “The list showed that they were mainly from the South East, South South and a small percentage of them were from the North Central region of the country.” The impression created by this is that the South West, North East and North West zones were not affected because officers from these areas were-not pro-Jonathan. This line of thinking failed in its deficit of reasoning to realise that it is indicting the South East, South South and a small part of the North Central as the parts of the country that produce unethical and unprofessional officers who are also kleptomaniacs that cannot keep their hands out of the public till. All the decent Nigerians from these areas, including former military officers who served meritoriously, should rise up and condemn this callous criminalisation of their ancestry.
But to a more serious dimension. The Army waited too long before acting as the issue was one that threatened and has continued to threaten our democracy. If the delay in showing these errant officers the way out was to allow for thorough investigations, then that is fine. But what must be avoided going forward is tarrying on crucial decisions because of political consideration as this amounted to playing the game on the terms of the rogue officers. In the time between when they were investigated and when action was finally taken, they have been able to poison more minds within and outside the institution, which is why their media were able to claim that the development was causing ripples in the military.


I dare describe them in harsh words because of the jeopardy they put the country into. The military is an institution and the Presidency is an office with clear cut constitutional provisions guiding the roles of each. The personnel of the institution and the holder of the office swore to suppress personal interests in the discharge of their duties in the various capacities. For some personnel to have acted contrary, driven by ethnic and pecuniary interests, equals to treason. Had they succeeded in their political foray, wouldn’t we today be under a military government by proxy contrary to our collective avowal for a representative democracy? The concept of separation of powers must be clearly adhered to for the insulation of our military against partisanship.
In recent history, countries whose military officers became openly political like the sacked ones here have been plunged into intractable crises. This fact is what these card carrying members of political parties should bear in mind whenever they are tempted to delude themselves into thinking they have been unfairly treated. What would have happened if officers from the other regions had also been unprofessional and backed an alternate political party? It would have been the perfect trigger for a civil war. Purging them out of the institution would no doubts bring about a strong and apolitical military. This is a great achievement and if it is the only thing President Muhammadu Buhari can do for Nigeria then we should be very happy that our journey to nationhood has started.
The cheap attempt at blackmail does not detract from the reality that crimes were committed – violation of oath of allegiance, breach of laws relating to elections, theft and other crimes. The relevant agencies must therefore commence their trial while the military makes public a declassified version of the report that indicted them for Nigerians to appreciate the need to get rid of these compromised officers. In fact, anyone of them that feels he was unfairly fired should take advantage of a trial to reverse the situation.
The military and the Federal Government must however be proactive in dealing with a bigger problem. The sacked officers must be placed under constant security watch because of other prevailing variables. As at the time these officers were committing these heinous acts, miscreants in the South South and South East were making threats of a break up against the country if the permutation goes against their shared interest. Today, the threats have given birth to terrorist separatist groups that are killing security agents and destroying economic assets. Even from within the Niger Delta, some ex-militants have identified some sacked politicians from the previous dispensation as sponsors of the attacks.
This is why we must be vigilant because the sacked officers were neck deep in politics and the billions stolen from defence contracts means they are also stupendously rich. A combination of their military experience, diverted weapons and stolen money flowing into an already problematic South South and South East regions would produce another monster, something like “Military Avengers ” that will either intensify the blowing up of oil and gas pipelines or even print the currency for one of their separatist groups to secede. The objective would be nothing less than the ridiculous demand from some regional leaders that charges be dropped against people standing trial for attacks in their areas to stop. The sacked persons, some of them also standing trial, would be additional incentives for more attacks.


As a country, we must now immediately begin damage control while hoping that it is not too late. While we were all focused on nation building these elements were busy perfecting their plans for the breakup of the country – the separatist groups have activated and their well-trained military counterparts may be on the way to joining them in insurrection with all their wealth of experience and material if nothing is done to neutralize their capacity to sink the country as they had promised.

Abiodun contributed this piece from Ibadan.


http://www.dailypost.ng/2016/06/11/israel-abiodun-retired-military-officers-nigeria-needs-damage-control/

For me, nothing to justify these finest officers mass sack. All I can perceive is HATRED from the buhari's led government.

Obasanjo sacked officers that has ever took political post in 1999 and heaven did not fall.

Military institution is a sacred institution of the state and not of any president or any party in power and it should remain non-partisan, not corrupt, with high sense of professionalism.

Anybody that wants to wail over the sacking can do so to the detriment of his eyeball. The gauntlet must be laid and has been laid down for future would-be partisan and corrupt officers that are meant to be loyal to the state.

If they are from certain regions of this country, that is their headache. It will make them to realise that you do not abuse your office, responsibility to the State and duty, just because your kinsmen or your political party is in power.

We should always remember that power is temporal.

What is bad is bad. Nigeria is bigger than any corrupt or partisan army officer. The case of Ekiti was a brazen attack on the sensibilities of sane minds and the electoral process of this country. Osun State people only stood their ground against the military.

Hating wailers from the wailing wall and ''awon eyan Benjamin Netanyanhu'' can wail if they so wish.

Ihe a wu ihe a na'kpo bullsheeet.Lee nu onye di a'kpo anyi miscreants.Iberibe di ya.Maka post ndi ofeEkwensufied mmanu odikwa as usual.Northernization ka di in progress.SE and SS unu make use of brain unu

The Military is a professional institution that must never be basterdized by Politics. What becomes of our collective social security if the Military is politicized? We are doomed. I sincerely have never seen how the Military dabbled into politics like in the former administration of GEJ. Is it not obvious that the Military were massively involved in politics? So blatant it was that today the former army chiefs have been indicted in Massive loot. Imagine Badeh's town taken by Boko Haram during Gej's tenure. That's our chief of defence staff for crying out loud. He ought to have resigned but no. Its all about Money than his integrity.

Its no surprise the sack is happening! What do u expect when some stupid military officers show clearly that they hate the present C in C? Sack! Simple!

This is the only thing the chief dullard has done Al his life that is worth my commendation...
I am truly happy with this move..

I wish he could still sack all the officers and men from the South..

Please, sack all of them, maybe it's time they realized how terrible it is been a Nigerian..

Thank you Mr brainless President..

The reports says the officers were found to be corrupt.. .. and no body is talking about that part

Alot of Igbos stole hundreds of billions of naira
Money that would have turned UNN into havard
Money that would have turned UNTH into a world class hospital

Money that would have upgraded all universities in the East..

Hausas have ruled for more time than any tribe yet they are the poorest region

This people Dont give a fxck about us and we should leave them to fight their battles

If they feel they have been cheated, they know the right way to complain

When it was initially reported, you lots said it was a lie. Now that it's no longer hidden, you've changed your narrative to say it's tge right thing to do. Bunch of hypocrites.

mrvitalis:
The reports says the officers were found to be corrupt.. .. and no body is talking about that part

Alot of Igbos stole hundreds of billions of naira
Money that would have turned UNN into havard
Money that would have turned UNTH into a world class hospital

Money that would have upgraded all universities in the East..

Hausas have ruled for more time than any tribe yet they are the poorest region

This people Dont give a fxck about us and we should leave them to fight their battles

If they feel they have been cheated, they know the right way to complain

The yorubas that stole under Obasanjo , have they been sacked,

paschu:
When it was initially reported, you lots said it was a lie. Now that it's no longer hidden, you've changed your narrative to say it's tge right thing to do. Bunch of hypocrites.

These ppl? Supporting evil since 1967

BankeSmalls:


The yorubas that stole under Obasanjo , have they been sacked,

On thing I love about Yolobas is this, obasanjo failed them and they don't hide there hatred for him.. ..
So please get that straight

All the sacked obote's men might use their privileged Intel to hurt the state if not checked.

SuperS1Panther:
Obasanjo sacked officers that has ever took political post in 1999 and heaven did not fall.

Military institution is the institution of the state and not of any president or any party in power and it should remain non-partisan, not corrupt, with high sense of professionalism.

Anybody that wants to wail over the sacking can do so to the detriment of his eyeball. The gauntlet must be laid and has been down for future would-be partisan and corrupt officers that are meant to be loyal to the state.

If they are from certain regions of this country, that is their headache. It will make them to realise that you do not abuse your office, responsibility to the State and duty, just because your kinsmen or your political party is in power.

We should always remember that power is temporal.

What is bad is bad. Nigeria is bigger than any corrupt or partisan army officer. The case of Ekiti was a brazen attack on the sensibilities of sane minds and the electoral process of this country. Osun State people only stood their ground against the military.

Hating wailers from the wailing wall and ''awon eyan Benjamin Netanyanhu'' can wail if they so wish.

Yes, OBJ retired soldiers who had held political posts. Which group dud Buhari sack now?

jamesibor:


Yes, OBJ retired soldiers who had held political posts. Which group dud Buhari sack now?

Those that were partisan in the last election and those that were found to be involved in the looted Defense FUnd.

you are correct, there should be fully sanity in the Military. GEJ spread corruption to all sectors in this country because I don't think he even believes there is something called corruption and as civilian is being dealt with due to corruption, the soldiers too should not be speared irrespective of the region they represent.

*_COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF COMPULSORY RTD NA OFFICERS:_*

1. Maj Gen FO Ali.
2. Maj Gen EG Atewe.
3. Maj Gen Ejemai.
4. Maj Gen MY Ibrahim.
5. Maj Gen IN Ijioma.
6. Maj Gen Koleoso.
7. Maj Gen PAT Akem.
8. Maj Gen LC Ilo.
9. Maj Gen SD Aliyu.
10. Brig Gen Onibasa.
11. Brig Gen IM Lawson.
12. Brig Gen D Abdusalam.
13. Brig Gen Bashir Mormoni.
14. Brig Gen ASH Sahaad.
15. Brig Gen Koko Essien.
16. Brig Gen MD Onoiveta.
17. Brig Gen LM Bello.
18. Brig Gen MG Ali.
19. Brig Gen Oyefesobi.
20. Brig Gen Ogidi.
21. Brig Gen Fiboinumama.
22. Brig Gen Agachi.
23. Col OU Nwankwo.
24. Col Adegbe.
25. Col DR Hassan.
26. Col TT Minima.
27. Col CK Ukoha.
28. Col FD Kayode.
29. Col Achinze.
30. Lt Col Oladuntoye.
31. Lt Col Adinmoha.
32. Lt Col CO Amadi.
33. Lt Col Baba Ochanpa.
34. Lt Col Dazang.
35. Lt Col TE Arigbe.
36. Lt Col Egemole.
37. Lt Col A Suleiman.
38. Lt Col A Mohammed.
39. Lt Col AS Mohammed.
40. Lt Col Enemchukwu.
41. Maj TA Williams.

*_Forwarded as received_*

SuperS1Panther:


Those that were partisan in the last election and those that were found to be involved in the looted Defense FUnd.

How was their partisanship established?

If they were, why not court martial them and mete out appropriate sanctions?

PhilemonObende:


don't mind the ipods. We yoruba muslim believe that sacking of Christian army officer is in the best interest of our nigeria.

The Army rightfully belongs to our fulani muslim rulers and they have the right take over it. Afterall the islamic arabic symbol on the Army logo makes it our property as muslims.

You registered less than 24hrs ago just to spew this rubbish while imposing yourself a Yoruba and Muslim just to mislead the gullible ones. We know you people. Majority of you are supporters of looters and criminals. You guys will soon meet your waterloo.

jamesibor:


How was their partisanship established?

If they were, why not court martial them and mete out appropriate sanctions?

Ask that Committee that was set up.

Any person that feels he was wrongly dismissed knows the way to the court.

paschu:
When it was initially reported, you lots said it was a lie. Now that it's no longer hidden, you've changed your narrative to say it's tge right thing to do. Bunch of hypocrites.

All of them shall be exposed in WD version.

Fantastically boring.

[author=BullShit post=46491417]*_COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF COMPULSORY RTD NA OFFICERS:_* 1. Maj Gen FO Ali. 2. Maj Gen EG Atewe. 3. [b] Maj Gen Ejemai .[/b] 4. Maj Gen MY Ibrahim. 5. [b]Maj Gen IN Ijioma. 6. Maj Gen Koleoso. 7. Maj Gen PAT Akem. 8. Maj Gen LC Ilo.[/b]9. Maj Gen SD Aliyu. 10. [b]Brig Gen Onibasa. 11. Brig Gen IM Lawson. [b]12. Brig Gen D Abdusalam. 13. Brig Gen Bashir Mormoni. 14. Brig Gen ASH Sahaad. 15. Brig Gen Koko Essien. 16. Brig Gen MD Onoiveta. 17. Brig Gen LM Bello. 18. Brig Gen MG Ali. 19. Brig Gen Oyefesobi. 20. Brig Gen Ogidi. 21. Brig Gen Fiboinumama. 22. Brig Gen Agachi. 23. Col OU Nwankwo. 24. Col Adegbe. 25. Col DR Hassan. 26. Col TT Minima. 27. Col CK Ukoha. 28. Col FD Kayode. 29. Col Achinze. 30. Lt Col Oladuntoye. 31. Lt Col Adinmoha. 32. Lt Col CO Amadi. 33. Lt Col Baba Ochanpa. 34. Lt Col Dazang. 35. Lt Col TE Arigbe. 36. Lt Col Egemole. 37. Lt Col A Suleiman. 38. Lt Col A Mohammed. 39. Lt Col AS Mohammed. 40. Lt Col Enemchukwu. 41. Maj TA Williams. *_Forwarded as received_*

This Tribalism being introduced in the army is a game plan though it's not new, but has never taken this precedential swoop

When the two weeks ceasefire for negotiations, the military takes on the Niger Delta Avengers maiming, raping, killing and molesting young, old innocent citizens of both gender in the name of looking for the Avengers!

Retiring the voices of the south in top military positions, paving way for smooth execution of Northern Agenda in a massive scale

We've witnessed Fulani herdsmen wiping out communities then enjoy presidential and military cover, the beheading in Kano the massacre of unarmed protesters including the rape on Niger Delta oil

Genocide is silently occurring.
Hutu and Tutsi of Rwanda comes to mind

South can not be taken un aware, before and after 2015 general elections SESS has never been this alert and prepared

Splinter groups every where. Just a single mishap another civil war!

Resource control now Federalism calling

Z

If any feel they were wrongly retired....the court is there!

Buhari should have nothing to be scared of, we are democracy not Military regime no coup in sight Is this still the American advice

WATCHOVER:
For me, nothing to justify these finest officers mass sack.
All I can perceive is HATRED from the buhari's led government.

obj did the same. It's call professionalisation, you need to clean up politicised soldiers.

1naija bt tribalism in der mind

SuperS1Panther:
Obasanjo sacked officers that has ever took political post in 1999 and heaven did not fall.

Military institution is a sacred institution of the state and not of any president or any party in power and it should remain non-partisan, not corrupt, with high sense of professionalism.

Anybody that wants to wail over the sacking can do so to the detriment of his eyeball. The gauntlet must be laid and has been down for future would-be partisan and corrupt officers that are meant to be loyal to the state.

If they are from certain regions of this country, that is their headache. It will make them to realise that you do not abuse your office, responsibility to the State and duty, just because your kinsmen or your political party is in power.

We should always remember that power is temporal.

What is bad is bad. Nigeria is bigger than any corrupt or partisan army officer. The case of Ekiti was a brazen attack on the sensibilities of sane minds and the electoral process of this country. Osun State people only stood their ground against the military.

Hating wailers from the wailing wall and ''awon eyan Benjamin Netanyanhu'' can wail if they so wish.

or "awon eyan Idi Amin"

You sacked them for being loyal to pdp,what about those that where loyal to apc? Pls when taking such action make sure you balance it,or are they still afraid that this officers are powerful are threat to the government.