SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT; CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE ADDRESS SPONSORED PROTEST AND CALL FOR THE RESIGNATION OF COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE NIGERIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICE (NCoS) OVER ALLEGED ILLEGAL DETENTION OF ARMY GENERAL, MAJOR GEN. UMARU MUAZU MOHAMMED.
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the press, we appreciate your presence at this press briefing, convened by Civil Society Groups for Good Governance. Our aim is to provide clarity and correct the gross misinformation perpetuated by some CSOs regarding the alleged illegal detention of an Army General by the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
First before we commence, it is a well-known fact according to George Washington “Discipline is the soul of an Army, it makes small numbers formidable, procures success to all of the weak and esteem to all”.
This above assertion, highlights the importance of discipline in an army. It emphasizes that discipline is the key to an army’s effectiveness, allowing even smaller forces to achieve success and earn respect. It highlights the importance of discipline in overcoming weaknesses, compensating numerical inferiority, and achieving success in military endeavors. Therefore, anyone who has erred, regardless of his standing in the society, should also face disciplinary actions if found culpable.
Recently, a group of CSOs, allegedly sponsored by interests intent on discrediting the Nigerian Correctional Service and its leadership, even the military, staged a protest requesting the resignation of Comptroller-General Haliru Nababa and the immediate release from Kuje Prison, according to them the illegally detained former Group Director and Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Army Properties Limited, Maj. Gen Umaru Muazu Mohammed. This action has generated significant public interest and raised concerns about the integrity of the civil society organization and the actual course of advocacy. We have discovered that this protest was orchestrated to distract from the genuine efforts of the NCoS in providing custodial care for erring inmates and also the military in maintaining peace and security in our nation.
Consequently, the purpose of this press conference is to set the record straight and to forestall any public uproar that will lead to another jail break given the fact that we have experience one to many.
Facts Versus Fiction
We outline thus in our bid to set the Records Straight that The Nigerian Correctional Service does not carry out arrests. The NCOS is responsible for the administration of prisons and correctional facilities in Nigeria, and their primary duties include: Managing and maintaining correctional facilities, Custodial care of inmates, Rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders and Enforcement of prison sentences and court orders.
Arrests are typically carried out by law enforcement agencies such as the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies with the power to arrest and detain suspects.
The accusations against the CG of NCoS by the George Uboh Whistle-Blowers Network, is very baseless and is an attack on the reputation and commitment of the service to carryout out it designated mandate.
Major General Umaru Muazu Mohammed was found guilty of stealing and other related offences on October 4th 2023. The Special Court Martial set up by the Nigerian Army, found him guilty of 14 out of 18 count charges ranging from stealing, forgery, conspiracy and unauthorized diversion of Army Properties. He was duly sentenced after being found guilty.
The Army General in question is facing disciplinary action for alleged misconduct, not political persecution, he is not detained illegally and was neither arrested by the NCoS, due process was followed, and the individual had access to legal representation.
The George Uboh Whistle-Blowers Network is actually misplacing it’s purpose of advocacy, and attacking the wrong person here. Major General Umaru Muazu Mohammed, was handed over to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) after his conviction and sentencing by the military court martial. The military authorities transferred him to the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja, where he is currently serving his sentence. The NCoS is responsible for his custody and care while he is in prison.
The military authorities should be applauded for having acted in accordance with established regulations and procedures. The NCOS should also be commended for providing a safe haven for people who have erred and found guilty.
We deeply believe that in contrast, the sponsored protest and resignation campaign have sought to: Mislead the public into believing a false narrative that Gen. Muazu is being illegally detained by the CG-NCoS in a bid to instigate further civil unrest. By the virtue of this protest, GUWN, is discrediting the military and undermine its authority, and also trying to divert attention from the real issues facing our nation.
*Our Position On The Matter*
We, the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance and other allied well purposed civil society organizations, condemn the sponsored protest, misinformation and resignation campaign. We believe in upholding the truth and promoting good governance. We support the NCOS effort in upholding the mandate it was given, the military’s efforts to maintain discipline and ensure accountability within their ranks. We will not stand idly by while mischief-makers attempt to tarnish the reputation of our the NCoS, it’s CG and the military in general.
*Call to Action*
We urge the public to be cautious of sponsored protests and misinformation campaigns. We appeal to CSOs to prioritize truth and integrity in their advocacy efforts. We request the military to continue ensuring transparency and accountability in their operations.
In conclusion, we have presented the above-mentioned facts to correct the misinformation perpetuated by the alleged group. We will continue to promote truth, accountability, and good governance in all aspects of our nation’s life. This engagement is selflessly aimed to promote fact-based reporting and advocacy. We urge the public to verify information through official channels before accepting it as true.
Dear Gentlemen of the Press, once again we thank you for your attention and we are available to answer questions and provide further clarification.
Signed By;
Chief. Ogakwu Dominic
President, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG)
