Human rights activist Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has told the Presidential Investigative Panel probing alleged human rights abuses by the military that it is wrong for soldiers to wear uniform in town when they are not on military duties
The panel was set up by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) in his capacity as the Acting President on August 11.
Members of the panel are Maj.-Gen. Patrick Akem, Mr. Wale Fapohunda, Mrs. Hauwa Ibrahim, Mr. Jibrin Ibrahim, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwakama and a representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Addressing the panel yesterday at the Ceremonial Hall, FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja, Falana said: “Soldiers are not supposed to wear uniform in town, but are allowed to wear mufti. Deployment of soldiers for elections is unconstitutional.”
The senior lawyer blames the political class for refusing to demilitarise the society.
Air Force Deputy Director Legal Service Group Captain Sanda Dika said military system does not allow breach of procedure and rudeness to superior officers.
Captain Dika said: “Soldiers are allowed to complain and the higher authorities must listen as there is also a human rights force desk in the air force. The authority cannot takes chances without considering fundamental human rights like freedom of speech, assembly and tribal freedom.
“Command influence exists all over the world, ours is more pronounced while others are mild.”
Also the memorandum filed by the Army said discipline is the strength of the armed forces and it was in recognition of this that the Armed Forces Act was enacted.
“The purpose of a separate system of military tribunals is to deal with matters that pertain directly to discipline, efficiently and morale of the military. “Breaches of military discipline must be dealt with speedily and frequently,
As a result, the military has its own code of service discipline to allow it to meet its particular disciplinary needs,” the memorandum said.