The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai has charged the Directorate of Army Legal Services to consider the asymmetric nature of the war against insurgency and the huge sacrifice the Nigerian Army is making in keeping Nigeria and Nigerians safe, when deciding on the numerous legal issues that individuals and entities bring against the military in the discharge of their duties.
The Army Chief made this known recently on the occasion of the launching of the Book, titled “Introduction to Military Law Practice and Procedures in Nigeria” authored by Col Bernard Okorie (retired) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
In his words, he said “I am here personally because of the importance I attach to this book. I have had the privilege of scanning through it and discovered that it couldn’t have come at a better time than now that the Nigerian Army is engaged in counter insurgency and other forms of internal security operations in many parts of the country and is required to continue to maintain a high level of discipline which necessarily goes with trials of erring personnel”.
The (COAS) Lt Gen TY Buratai (Centre) the Book author, Col Bernard Okorie (Rtd) the DG NARC, Maj JGS Hamakim, the PSO’s, Senior Officers and others in a group photograph.
He said the Book simplifies summary and court martial trials, which make up the major aspects of military justice system in Nigeria, while serving as a practical guide to commanders at different levels who conduct summary trials. The book will equally guide members of court martial on a step by step basis on what is required of them.
Gen Buratai further said, that the Book also brings to fore the need for the military to continue to key into procedures laid down by the Armed Forces Act, CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Rules of Procedure Army 1972 during trials, in ensuring that a high standard of professionalism continues to be maintained, which has direct bearing on his vision for the Nigerian Army which is “To Have a Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles”.
He commended the author for his deep rooted research that resulted in the writing of the Book and urged him to continue to keep the flag of the Nigerian Army flying even in retirement as he has just done. The high point of the event was the unveiling of the Book by the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, flanked by the author, the Director General Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Maj Gen Johnny Hamakim (Rtd), the Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters and other senior officers from sister services and officers both serving and retired.
