“Falana Urges Tinubu to Right a Wrong: Reinstate 38 Retired Army Officers”
Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate 38 Nigerian Army officers who were prematurely retired eight years ago. Representing the affected officers, Falana emphasized that the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari disregarded the orders of both the National Industrial Court and the National Assembly, which had mandated the officers’ reinstatement.
During an interview in Lagos on Wednesday, Falana passionately argued that the 38 officers had been denied justice, pointing out the absence of a fair hearing in their case. According to Falana, the Army had unjustly forced these officers into early retirement on June 9, 2016, despite their not having committed any offenses.
Legal Battle for Justice: Femi Falana Calls for Reversal of Army Officers’ Unjust Retirement
The retired officers, including nine major generals, 11 brigadier-generals, seven colonels, and 11 lieutenant colonels, were allegedly targeted for their perceived involvement in partisanship during the 2015 general election, alleged arms procurement fraud, and endangering national security. Falana, however, insisted that these accusations were unsubstantiated, urging President Tinubu to take decisive action for their reinstatement.
Falana further accused the military authorities of failing to comply with lawful directives, which were confirmed by the National Industrial Court and the National Assembly, both of which called for the officers’ return to service. “The actions against these 38 officers were not only unjust but also illegal,” Falana stated.
Falana to Tinubu: Restore Dismissed Officers Who Served the Nation with Integrity
The human rights advocate appealed to President Tinubu, stressing the significance of reinstating the officers to prevent sending a damaging message to current serving officers. “If the injustice done to these men is allowed to stand, it will send a terrible signal to those still serving—one that undermines the value of selfless service to the nation,” Falana warned.
Falana also revealed that his team had written to the President through the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, in a bid to prompt the necessary action. He expressed confidence that the Attorney-General would offer sound advice to the President on how to resolve the matter in accordance with the rule of law.
Army Retirement Controversy: Falana Seeks Reinstatement of 38 Officers Denied Fair Hearing
As the battle for justice continues, Falana remains steadfast in his belief that the 38 officers were wrongfully retired and have been waiting far too long for redress. The case is now squarely in the hands of President Tinubu, with the hope that he will correct this historical wrong and restore the dignity of those who once served the nation with honor.
