The Nigerian Army has directed an immediate investigation into an incident at the Command Secondary School Iyana Ipaja.Â
In a statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwanchukwu on Tuesday June 11th, the Nigerian Army stated that the investigation was in response to the recent concerns raised by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) regarding the treatment of civilian workers at Command Secondary School Iyana Ipaja.
According to the statement, in his unwavering commitment to upholding the rights of all personnel, including the civilian staff, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has taken decisive action to address the situation as he 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 is said to 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”.
The Nigerian Army authorities also urged that as the investigation progresses, all parties must 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”. The statement added.
