By Ayo Kehinde
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalist’s (NAWOJ), has condemned in the strongest terms, what it described as the dehumanisation of a female Corps member – Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia by a female military officer, Lt Chika Viola Anale at the 13 Brigade Headquarters, Calabar, Cross River state capital.
“It is appalling that the deliberate act of barbaric infringement on the human right of the NYSC Corps member – Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia by a female Army officer did not only negate professional ethics of the Nigerian Army, the act is also disgraceful, unwarranted and an insult to the dignity of womanhood,” the organisation said in a statement by its National President, Ladi Bala.
According to her, “It is disappointing to note that while frantic efforts are being carried out by the government and other critical stakeholders to address the menace of sexual and gender based violence, a female officer in this 21st century could engage in such an abusive and violent act. This is unacceptable ridiculous, provocative and condemnable in every material particular.
While NAWOJ applauds the quick response of the Nigerian Army in wading into the unfortunate development as well as condemned the action of its officer which has helped in dousing tension, it is pertinent to call on the military high command to ensure that stringent measures are taken against the Officer to serve as deterrent to others.
“The officer should be made to tender an unreserved public apology to the victim as well as pay compensation for the humiliation the Corps member suffered. The investigation of the incident should be hastened and concluded soonest as Nigerians await to hear the outcome. The unfortunate incident must not be allowed to be swept under the carpet,”
