Pardoned soldiers happy to fight, Military condemns media for promoting lies

Stories of 3000 pardoned soldiers refusing to go back to the war front made the news during the weekend.

The Nigerian Military spokesman Rabe Abubakar has denied the story in a press statement released on Sunday, expressing ‘dismay over the newspaper’s publication of Friday, 8 January 2016 in which 3000 re-engaged soldiers were alleged to have embarked on hunger strike’.

The Defence headquarters remarked that the ‘story (of the pardoned soldiers) was false and not a true reflection of the situation among the affected soldiers. To put the record straight, the soldiers are enthusiastic and full of praises to the military authority that gave them another chance to re-unite with the folk for better services to their fatherland.’

The Military called for more responsibility on the part of the media stating that such reports is unprofessional and makes mockery of journalism. It said;

It is worrisome that a reputable newspaper of national outlook would source its story from unreliable social media without corroboration with relevant authorities to ascertain the veracity of the news. It is more worrisome when such unsubstantiated story borders on national security. 

This practice negates the ethics of journalism and is grossly unprofessional. Information that threatens national security should be avoided and efforts should be intensified to confirm from highest authority before going to press. Press should also avoid fuelling tension, no matter the inherent personal gains, especially now that all hands are on deck to unite all Nigerians against insecurity and insurgency.

The DHQ said that Military ethics make it a ‘taboo for military personnel to embark on strike or to do any of such things the newspaper reported. It has never happened and will not happen because we are disciplined, professional and highly loyal to the constituted authority. Such behaviour could only occur within unprofessional soldiers, and certainly not Nigerian military.’

The DHQ said it is open to clarify issues that border on defence and national security, urging the media to take advantage of this stance in order to ‘give correct information to our citizens.’ the statement ended.