Nigerian Army
Army
Nigerian Army
Army Inaugurates Court to Try Erring
Soldiers
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army,
(NA) Major General OF Azinta on Monday, inaugurated a General Court
Martial (GCM) to try erring personnel of the Division. This is in
line with the importance of discipline to the success of any
organization, particularly the military in peace or in war.
In his speech at the inauguration of the General Court Martial
at the Tiger Officers’ Mess, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State. GOC enjoined
members of the GCM to base the Court Martial on due process and in
conformity with extant civil and military laws especially the
constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Armed
Forces Act. In view of this, members of the court are expected to
painstakingly ensure that every step or action taken in the trial
process is in conformity with the provisions of the laws.
The GOC emphasized that military justice is not an instrument of
discipline, rather it is used to promote discipline. He noted that
“the president and members of this GCM have been carefully
appointed considering their ranks, seniority, general service
knowledge and wealth of experience to ensure fair trial and enhance
the course of justice. They are men of integrity and character,
therefore I have no doubt in their ability to dispense justice
fairly” he said.
He also noted that justice as confirmed by late Justice
Chukwudifu Oputa is a three-way traffic, justice for the accused,
justice for the victim and justice for the state. In his words “It
is equally important to recall that both Section 36 of the 1999
Constitution as amended and Section 122 of the Armed Forces Act
2004, emphasize that expeditious and speedy trial provides basis
for trial. This is one of the advantages of a GCM, this advantage
will be lost if we allow delays on unnecessary technicalities to
characterize the day to day proceedings of the court.
However, the GOC assured all the accused persons seated at GCM
that the court will be fair and just, he also reminded the
president and members of the GCM as well as the prosecution and
defense counsels that as Ministers in the temple of justice, you
must all be seen to advance the course of justice in all your
actions and dealings, he urged all to live above board bearing in
mind that doing otherwise will have implications on the
dispensation of justice in the NA, and that it is better to set ten
criminals free than to convict one innocent person he noted”
You are please requested to disseminate this information to the
public through your medium.
HASSAN IFIJEH MOHAMMED
Colonel
Deputy Director
Army Public Relations
2 Division Nigerian Army