News Desk
On Tuesday, the civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence protested against the alleged brutalization of their colleagues by military personnel at the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja.
The protesters blocked the entry and exit points to the complex, claiming that their colleagues were being mistreated without regard for civil laws.
Addressing journalists, Didam Joel, chairman of the Joint Executive Council, the umbrella body of affiliate unions of civilian staff in the Ministry of Defence, stated that the civilian staff were “an endangered species.”
Recalling past incidents, Joel alleged that an assistant director was brutalized on Monday in Lagos and that they could no longer tolerate such situations.
He also claimed that a civilian staff member had recently been detained for a month by military authorities and alleged that another was killed two months ago.
Joel stated, “What led to this action is the incident that happened yesterday. The video of the incident trended. One of our assistant directors was brutalized by private soldiers at the Command Secondary School in Ipaja, Lagos.
“Some months back, they killed one of our colleagues. Up until today, we have not seen any action. Also, last month, a civilian staff member was locked in the guard room. It was only because we involved the permanent secretary that he was released. We are an endangered species in the Ministry of Defence.”
Joel also highlighted that all civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence nationwide have withdrawn their services in support of the protest.
He added, “That is why, as a union, we directed our members to withdraw their services from the Ministry of Defence formations. So nationwide, we are withdrawing our services to the ministry until the Minister of Defence meets our demands.
“We are endangered. We don’t know who will be next. This is too much, and we cannot take it any longer. We must put a stop to this brutality and the killing of civilian staff. If they can’t defend and protect us, there won’t be a need for the Ministry of Defence in Nigeria.”
Techrectory with Agency Report.
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