By Kingsley Omonobi
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Abdurahman Dambazau, has declared that it cannot compromise its justice system as it is the hallmark of its discipline.

He spoke against the backdrop of the reduction of the life jail verdict on the 27 Nigerian soldiers who protested over the mix up in the payment of their allowances after their assignment in Liberia, to seven years imprisonment by the Army authorities and continued criticisms by some Nigerians.

Towards this end, Gen. Dambazau said the Army would soon organise a seminar to enlighten the public and stakeholders to make them understand the military justice system as regards General Court Martial in the military and the imperatives of discipline as well as offences that run contrary to military justice system.

Dambazau made the declaration on the commitment of the Nigerian Army to the military justice system at his investiture as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) even as he vowed that the army under his leadership will continue to maintain and base its dealings on the principle of justice, equity, and the rule of law while upholding its constitutional responsibility and loyalty to Nigerians.

Accepting that there was the need for the public to have a better understanding of the military operation and public conduct going by the new policy thrust of his vision based on justice and the rule of law, the COAS said, the quest for better relationships with the civil populace would not however lead to a compromise of its justice system “We are using this opportunity to solicit for the assistance of the NIPR towards a better appreciation of our roles in nation building. This has become necessary because of the fact that we have ventured into politics in the past”.

He said the digression has led to some negative understanding and media publications about the roles of the Army, “the intentions army not be mischievous but because there was no proper understanding of the workings of our justice system, this was bound to happen as a result of the gap in our relationships”.

On the conviction of the 27 soldiers that protested non-payment of their Peacekeeping Operations allowance, the COAS pointed out that the Army has embarked on organizing seminars and workshops to bridge the gap and improve the Army/civilian relationships, assuring that the Army would sustain its commitment to professionalism by putting  square pegs in square holes.

Also speaking at the occasion, Minister of Information and Communications Prof. Dora Akunyili who was earlier conferred with the same Fellowship said the award was not just the celebration of the accomplishments of the COAS but the feat of the Nigerian Army in Peacekeeping Operations as globally recognized.

According to the minister, while many Nigerians would be sound asleep, Nigerian soldiers are far away. many miles from their country and families, making the nation proud by sacrificing to bring or keep the peace oin other countries other than their own and boosting the country’s image with exemplary performances. For this, they deserve every support and encouragement.

The President of the Governing Board of the NIPR, Prof. Ikechukwu Nwosu earlier in his remarks implored the COAS to ensure the appointment of qualified and registered public relations experts in the Service as its image makers as required by law.

He pleged readiness of NIPR to partner the army towards projecting a positive image for the country through its internationa l engagements noting, “It is worthy of note that the Nigerian army has contributed to world peace through peace enforcement while peacekeeping role as enhancers of peace must be promoted”.