From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Lieutenant-Colonel Silos Jock Santoi, of the Nigerian Army has accused the Presidency of complacency over a case of ill-treatment against him by the Nigeria Army since 2001 which was duly brought before her, alleging that the government has failed to act accordingly.
Colonel Jock in 1999 as an officer with the 21 Armored Brigade camp, Giwa barracks Maiduguri out of his desire to improve his education sought permission to pursue a post graduate diploma course which was graciously granted by the Nigerian Army in a letter with reference number NA/COAS/20 and signed by Lieutenant Colonel S.A Adebayo.
Colonel Jock in an interview with newsmen averred that his ordeal started when he decided to appreciate the Army for approving his application which according to him was suddenly turned against him.
“To my dismay, I received another letter informing me that my application which was granted in writing was withdrawn without my knowledge, nor the unit that released me for the course and I was given a summary trial as a disciplinary action for attending the course when the sponsorship and by implication the release was allegedly withdrawn.
“When I exhausted all military administrative procedures to have my maltreatment addressed, I decided to exploit the provisions of the Armed Forces Act 1993 which permits an Army Officer who is not satisfied with administrative handling of his case to seek redress outside the Armed Forces Act.
“Thereafter I decided to seek legal action since 2004 but regrettably my case kept suffering setbacks occasioned by series of adjournments, but I have been optimistic that there will be light at the end of the tunnel since God is in charge” he said.
According to him, following the series of adjournments for no just cause by the court, the NUJ, sequel to my letter petitioned the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and I was subsequently invited by the leadership and was thereafter assured that the leadership was going to look into my matter and address it accordingly.
He queried, “I wonder why having gone through all the administrative procedures, my case is still being frustrated thereby preventing the continuation of my suit in court.”
He said, he had petitioned various government agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Justice, Information, National Assembly, National Judicial Council and National Security Adviser, with favourable response except the presidency, which he said should be the appropriate authority to end the matter.
Colonel Jock also said he further sought the intervention of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) who subsequently petitioned the President severally on his case for necessary intervention, yet to no avail.
The embattled colonel, who said he will not give up appealed to Mr. President to kindly intervene in his matter and call the relevant authorities to address his case with the objectivity it deserves, saying, injustice to one is injustice to all.
