Spouses of soldiers who are currently detained and facing various charges in the ongoing conflict against Boko Haram/ISWAP militants in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, have, in honor of the 65th Independence Day, urged President Bola Tinubu and military officials to show compassion and grant them clemency.
Over 30 women, some accompanied by young children, including family members and acquaintances, marched to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Maiduguri on Wednesday to present their concerns.
A representative from the women's group, Mrs. Rose Emmanuel David, told reporters that some of their husbands have been held in custody for more than a year due to various minor violations. She emphasized that it has been extremely challenging for them to manage household responsibilities, as they have had to take on low-paying jobs to cover their children's educational expenses and daily meals.
They claimed that, over the years, the Federal Government and military officials have been granting amnesties to members of Boko Haram militants, bandits, and other criminals, stating that it was also necessary for them to speak up about their situation by appealing on behalf of their husbands who are held in a Military Police (MP) facility in Maiduguri, seeking their release and reunion with their families.
We have come representing our husbands, who are detained soldiers from the Nigerian Army stationed at the 7 Division Military Police Facility in Maiduguri.
We respectfully ask for compassion and pardon. Numerous individuals have been detained for extended periods due to different violations. They have since admitted their errors, engaged in deep contemplation, and now desire a new opportunity to contribute to their nation with renewed dedication.
We humbly urge His Excellency, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to issue a presidential pardon for them.
We also call upon the National Assembly, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and all well-meaning Nigerians to back this request.
It is crucial to keep in mind that amnesties have been granted to former rebels and outlaws who had previously fought against the government.
These troops are also Nigerians—men who previously put their lives on the line to protect our people and safeguard our country. They deserve the same compassion, so they can once more contribute to peace, unity, and safety.
"This is not an appeal for pity, but for fairness combined with empathy. Their service and sacrifices must not be overlooked. Granting them clemency will not only restore their honor but also enhance the trust relationship between the country and its defenders," Mrs. David urged.
LEADERSHIP notes that last week, a Special Court Martial (SCM) organized by the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigerian Army and Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, punished two senior non-commissioned officers and two other non-commissioned officers for involvement in arms and ammunition trafficking as well as assisting the country's enemies.
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Tagged: Nigeria, Arms and Military Affairs, Legal and Judicial Affairs, West Africa, Conflict, Peace and Security
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