Lagos lawyer and rights activist, Femi Falana SAN, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate 38 Nigerian Army officers who were retired prematurely eight years ago.
Falana, counsel for the 38 soldiers, also urged Tinubu to take judicial notice of the fact that the then administration of President Muhammadu Buhari refused to comply with the order of the National Industrial Court and the resolutions of the National Assembly, directing the officers’ reinstatement.
In an interview with journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, the human rights lawyer also cited injustice and lack of fair hearing in the case of the 38 officers, insisting that due process was not followed in their matter.
The senior advocate, therefore, sought their reinstatement on the grounds that they did not commit any offence.
He further stated that the officers were forced to retire by the Nigerian Army on June 9, 2016, saying that the unjust retirement affected nine major generals, 11 brigadier-generals, seven colonels and 11 lieutenant colonels.
Falana said: “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. I’m also using this medium to inform you that the infamous action on the 38 officers is patently illegal and unjustified.
“The Nigerian Army cannot and should not be allowed to treat the valid and subsisting order of the National Industrial Court and the National Assembly resolution on the 38 officers with levity.
“Mr President, there is a need for you to intervene now because if you fail to intervene, the premature retirement of these 38 officers will send a wrong signal to serving military officers that it does not pay to offer selfless service to Nigeria.
“We have also written a detailed letter to the President through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, seeking for justice and their reinstatement in line with the National Industrial Court and the National Assembly resolutions. We sincerely believe and are confident that AGF Fagbemi will do the needful and advise the President accordingly.”