The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) stands united in its deep concern and condemnation of the unjust treatment recently reported about Seaman Haruna Abbas, a dedicated military officer who has become a victim of egregious misconduct within our armed forces.
A statement by the Director of Publicity and Advocacy of NEF, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman on Sunday, referred to Mrs. Husaina Abbas’s narration during her appearance on the Berkete Family TV station in the Federal Capital, Abuja, on the circumstances surrounding the incarceration of Seaman Abbas has raise grave alarms about the accountability and ethical standards within the military hierarchy.
According to Mrs. Abbas, her husband has been subjected to a punitive six-year imprisonment by the commander of his battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad S. Adamu. The reported basis for this draconian punishment is not rooted in any criminality nor misconduct that would warrant such a severe sentence.
Rather, it stems from Abbas’s commendable act of gathering soldiers under his command for prayer—a reflection of his commitment to the moral and spiritual well-being of his troops. This attack on his character and authority is not only an outrage but an affront to the values we hold dear in our society.
Our military, often regarded as the backbone of national security, must be a model of integrity and respect for human dignity. The decision to punish a soldier for promoting unity and spiritual strength among his peers raises profound questions about the leadership and operational ethos within the force. Such an act does not only demoralize those still serving; it sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine the collective spirit necessary for effective military operation.
Furthermore, reports indicate that Abbas has suffered severe mental distress as a direct consequence of this unjust treatment. It is alarming to note that the very institution designed to protect and serve its members has instead become a mechanism of brutality and psychological trauma.
We must remind ourselves that our military personnel are human beings worthy of dignity and respect, not mere instruments of control under the whims of superior officers.
The Northern Elders Forum hereby calls for swift justice for Haruna Abbas and his family. We demand that the military hierarchy take immediate steps to review this case and provide the necessary support for Abbas’s rehabilitation. It is critical that the injustices he has faced be addressed with urgency to restore his dignity and that of his family.
Moreover, we call for a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident and any similar abuses within the military ranks. It is our belief that a culture of accountability and adherence to the rule of law must prevail within our armed forces to ensure the protection of personnel and the upholding of their rights. Our soldiers must be allowed to carry out their duties without the fear of persecution for actions that are not only lawful but commendable.
We urge the leadership of the Nigerian Army and relevant authorities to take immediate action on this matter, ensuring that no officer suffers unjust punishment for performing their duties ethically and responsibly. Justice is not only a right for the individual but a cornerstone of our collective national integrity.
The Northern Elders Forum implores everyone in a position of authority to reflect on their actions and the impact they have on their subordinates. Acts of injustice, such as the one suffered by Haruna Abbas, must not be tolerated in our society. We stand firmly against any practice that promotes fear and suffering rather than camaraderie and respect.
