Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Army don suspend all dem statutory and voluntary retirements for some categories of officers. This move na part of the Federal Government’s response to the nationwide security emergency wey President Bola Ahmed Tinubu don declare. E no be small matter, oh! With over 600 mass abductions wey happen for November alone, including the kidnapping of 300 students for Niger State, 38 worshippers for Kwara State, and 25 students for Kebbi State, the military no fit sit down dey look again.
Naija’s commander-in-chief, President Tinubu, don dey shout on top this kele kele security matter since November 26, ordering the military, police, and intelligence agencies to hustle and expand their recruitment like say dem dey sell jollof rice for party. An internal memo signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff states say, to keep manpower intact and preserve the operational capacity as the military dey expand, dem gatz suspend all retirements sharp-sharp.
The memo don highlight the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024 wey mean say even if officers dey suppose retire when them reach age limit or dey complete 35 years of service, dem fit still extend their service if e go benefit the military. No be joke o! Dem write am well, say, “Military service of a commissioned officer entails a period of unbroken service in the AFN from the date of enlistment or commissioning to the date of retirement.” And you sabi wetin e mean? E mean say una go fit serve pass wetin dem say if military need you.
The memo come talk say the suspension go affect officers wey don fail promotion exams three times, those wey don pass over for promotion boards three times, and those wey don reach the age ceiling for their ranks. The affected officers fit apply to continue they serve beyond their normal retirement dates, but make dem know say if dem accept this extension, dem no go fit promote again. Na wah!
Veterans dey hail this decision as the Secretary-General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, don talk say, “This one na correct move! These officers where dem train with taxpayer money no suppose dey retire prematurely just because dem junior ones don dey occupy the position.”
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro join the gist, calling the suspension a “reasonable short-term emergency response,” and say we need to keep experienced folks for command. He don emphasize say if dem no wan make dem decline, dem gatz improve welfare and provide better financial incentives for these officers wey go extend their service.
Another retired officer, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi, say the policy na practical decision wey go help maintain order during this crisis. He no confirm say officers wey don fail dem exams go struggle under junior commanders, saying the military structure go prevent wahala.
As fresh warning, Brigadier General George Emdin also show support but he no gree say dem go retain officers wey no fit make promotion exams. “E no dey easy for military job; dem welfare suppose dey on point!” he propose.
The policy no go last forever; dem say e go they reviewed as Nigeria security situation dey improve, and as dem dey ramp up operations to secure the nation. So make we shine our eyes because this one na serious matter, my padi!
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