Falana Urges Tinubu To Right Buhari's Wrong, Demands Reinstatement Of 38 Retired Army Officers

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has appealed with President Bola Tinubu to reinstate 38 Nigerian Army officers who were retired prematurely eight years ago.

Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, Falana, who is the counsel for the 38 soldiers, urged Tinubu to take judicial notice of the fact that the then administration of President Muhammadu Buhari refused to comply with the order of the National Industrial Court and the resolutions of the National Assembly, directing the officers’ reinstatement.

He also cited injustice and lack of fair hearing in the case of the 38 officers, insisting that due process was not followed in their matter.

Falana subsequently sought the reinstatement on the grounds that they did not commit any offence.

He further stated that the officers were forced to retire by the Nigerian Army on June 9, 2016, saying that the unjust retirement affected nine major generals, 11 brigadier-generals, seven colonels and 11 lieutenant colonels.

Falana said, “As the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, I wish to inform President Tinubu that what happened to the 38 Army officers under the previous administration is incredible and unfortunate. I’m also using this medium to inform you that the infamous action on the 38 officers is patently illegal and unjustified.

“The Nigerian Army cannot and should not be allowed to treat the valid and subsisting order of the National Industrial Court and the National Assembly resolution on the 38 officers with levity.”