Army to retire 2 generals over Ekiti poll

The Nigerian Army board of inquiry set up to investigate the alleged misconduct of some military personnel during the 2015 elections has recommended the compulsory retirement of two officers.

Two officers were recommended for compulsory retirement from the army, three were to lose their command and one was recommended for prosecution for collecting financial gratification, a statement yesterday by army spokesperson Col Sani Usman said.

Though the statement did not mention the names of the officer affected, General Aliyu Momoh was accused of accepting bribes to rig the last governorship election in Ekiti State in favour of Governor Ayo Fayose.

“Other recommendations include; placing 15 officers on watch list, nine officers are to be further investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations leveled against them.

“Six officers are to face an audit committee and 62 officers (mostly of the rank of majors-below) are to be given letters of displeasure and to appear before their respective General Officers Commanding for counseling,” the statement said.

Usman said the board, however, commended one officer, Captain Sagir Koli, for non-partisanship and professional conduct while various disciplinary actions were recommended for over 90 other personnel.

He said 23 officers, over 100 soldiers and 62 civilians appeared before the board headed by Maj.-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army.

The inquiry was the result of petitions and allegations of unprofessional and partisan conducts of some officers and soldiers during the 2015 general elections as well as the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states in 2014.

The board submitted its report to the army chief in Abuja yesterday.