Corps Member’s Abuse: NAWOJ Demands Stiffer Punishment For Army Officer
BY EDMOND ODOK – The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) says the Nigerian Army must take stringent action against the female military officer who dehumanised a female Corps member, Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia, at the 13 Brigade Headquarters in Calabar, the Cross River state capital.
Insisting that the incident must not be swept under the carpet by the Military High Command, NAWOJ, in a statement by its National President, Ladi Bala condemned the act and described it as “disgraceful, unwarranted and an insult to the dignity of womanhood.”
The Association said the brutish female military officer, Lt Chika Viola Anale must take full responsibility for her “abusive and violent act” by tendering an “unreserved public apology to the victim as well as pay compensation for the humiliation the Corps member suffered.”
The full statement by NAWOJ titled: “Dehumanisation of A Female Corps Member: A Call for Stiffer Action Against Army officer’s Disgraceful Act” read thus: “The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), condemns in the strongest terms, the dehumanisation of a female Corps member – Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia by a female military officer, Lt Chika Viola Anale at the 13 Brigade Headquarters, Calabar, Cross River state capital.
“It is appalling that the deliberate act of barbaric infringement on the human right of the NYSC Corps member – Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia by a female Army officer did not only negate the professional ethics of the Nigerian Army, the act is also disgraceful, unwarranted and an insult to the dignity of womanhood.
“It is disappointing to note that while frantic efforts are being carried out by the government and other critical stakeholders to address the menace of sexual and gender-based violence, a female officer in this 21st century could engage in such an abusive and violent act.
“This action is unacceptable, ridiculous, provocative, and condemnable in every material particular.
“While NAWOJ applauds the quick response of the Nigerian Army in wading in to address the unfortunate development as well as condemned the action of its officer which has helped in dousing tension, it is pertinent to call on the military high command to ensure that stringent measures are taken against the officer to serve as a deterrent to others.
“The officer should be made to tender an unreserved public apology to the victim as well as pay compensation for the humiliation the Corps member suffered.
“The investigation of the incident should be hastened and concluded soonest as Nigerians are waiting to hear the outcome. Therefore, the unfortunate incident must not be allowed to be swept under the carpet.”
Ladi Bala
NAWOJ President
