Middle Belt Forum Commends FG Over Army Shake Up

ABUJA, Sept 25, (THEWILL) - The Middle Belt Dialogue (MBD) on Friday commended the Nigerian Army for the latest reshuffling in its top formations. This action, according to the (MDB) has been long awaited and is needed to ensure that the confidence of the people in the ability and sincerity of the Army is not destroyed.

MBD Facilitator, Rima Shawulu Kwewum in a statement made available to THEWILL in Abuja said the body wants to reaffirm its confidence in the Nigerian Army and the ability of the present Chief of Army Staff LT Gen, O. A. Ihejirika to lead the Nigerian Army as an unbiased, professional Army evenly enforcing the laws of the land when duty calls.

"However, as an organization, which is desiring for peace, justice and progress in every part of Nigeria, the MDB believes that the reshuffling exercise is just one of the steps that the Nigerian Army should take to redeem its image which some actions of some officers has been destroying," Kwewum said.

He said the tenure of Major General Saleh Maina, as General Officer Commanding GOC the 3rd Armoured Division, Jos was marred with unprecedented controversy and persistent allegations of unprofessionalism, abuse of human rights, extra judicial killings and flagrant disobedience of constituted authority.

MBD further said that it would therefore be sending wrong signals to allow Saleh Maina to go without trial, reasoning that the appropriate thing to do is to investigate the numerous allegations against General Maina with a view to either exonerating him or appropriately arraigning him before the appropriate judicial bodies for trial.

This action, according to Kwewum, would restore the confidence of the Nigerian people in the Nigerian Army and its ability to check the excesses of its officers.