The civilian staff working with the Ministry of Defence, on Tuesday 11th June, protested the alleged brutalization of their colleagues by military personnel.
The protesters, who barricaded the entry and exit to the complex, alleged that their colleagues were being maltreated without regard for civil laws.
Addressing newsmen, the chairman of the Joint Executive Council, the umbrella body of affiliate unions of civilian staff in the ministry, Didam Joel, stated that the civilian staff are an endangered species.
Recounting incidents against the civilian staff, Joel alleged that an assistant director was brutalized on Monday in Lagos, adding that they could no longer bear the situation.
“Some months back, they killed one of our colleagues. Up till today, we have not seen any action. Also, last month a civilian staff was locked in the guard room. It was because we involved the permanent secretary that he was released. We are an endangered species in the Ministry of Defence.” He added.
Joel further noted that all civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence nationwide have withdrawn their services.
“That is why as a union we directed our members to withdraw their services from the Ministry of Defence formations. So nationwide we are withdrawing our services to the ministry until the minister of Defence and then we will give them our demand.
“We are endangered, we don’t know who will be the next. This is too much and we cannot take it again. We must put a stop to this brutality and killing of civilian staff. If they can’t defend and protect us, there won’t be a need for the Ministry of Defence in Nigeria.” He added.
Meanwhile, a viral video showing a civilian being brutalised by soldiers in the school premises on Monday has generated reactions from Nigerians.
Joel confirmed that the civilian in the video is a Grade 15 staff member of the Ministry of Defence.
As of press time, the ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, did not pick up his calls to react on the allegations.
The News Chronicle recalled that the Nigerian Army has directed an immediate investigation into an incident at the Command Secondary School Iyana Ipaja.
SEE VIDEO:
VIDEO: Defence Ministry Civilian Staff Protest Against Soldiers Brutality
The civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence, on Tuesday, protested the alleged brutalisation of their colleagues by military personnel.
The protesters, who blocked entry and exit to the complex,… pic.twitter.com/LnB00kzSNT
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) June 11, 2024
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.
