An Islamic human rights group, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has appealed to the Federal Government to release the 54 soldiers of the Nigerian Army who are currently serving a 10-year jail term.
The group made the request against the backdrop of the presidential order for the release of 2,600 inmates of Nigeria’s correctional centres in the country in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
In a statement issued by its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC argued that the offence of the soldiers was their request for better weapons to fight Boko Haram.
Said MURIC: “Some of the 54 soldiers are in Kirikiri and Ikoyi correctional centres. We urge the presidential team to visit those places. The war against terror will remain shady until the authorities give justice its prime of place. Funds meant for the purchase of weapons were being diverted to private pockets while our soldiers were stinted of vital equipment. Nobody knew about this fraud until the 54 soldiers cried out. It led to the exposure of the $2.1 billion armsgate. But instead of hailing the 54 soldiers as heroes of the land, they were clamped in jail. We hereby appeal to the committee handling the implementation of the presidential amnesty to consider them.”
It is a a good and fair request. However, in every organization there is a channel of communication which must be followed. If you do otherwise, then you also feel otherwise about your continuous membership of the organization.
Shame to Fedral Government of Nigeria failing to give amnesty to the 54 solders that lay down there life to protect they citizens
I will be glad the whole country will be happy if presidency can release this 54 soldiers. Pls Mr president do something.