The House of Reps has mandated its committee on Army to investigate the reported resignation of 366 soldiers due to poor welfare and inferior military weapons.

This resolution followed the adoption of a motion of matters of urgent public importance moved by the Chief Whip of the House of Reps, Muhammed Monguno on Tuesday, July 14, during plenary.

Monguno in his motion linked the recent exposé by Lance Corporal Martins Idkpein to the mass resignation.

“On the 22nd of June 2020, a lance corporal in the Nigerian Army, Martins Idakpein made an online video where he condemned the attitude of the Service Chiefs towards the attacks and killing of Nigerians and soldiers; as well as untold hardship soldiers face while conducting combat operations,” Monguno stated.

He also highlighted the series of protests by military personnel due to poor welfare and poor working conditions.

“On several occasions, soldiers have disobeyed orders from superior officers in protest of poor welfare arrangements; and alleged embezzlement of allowances, due them by the superior; and there have been cases of mutiny and sporadic shooting and attempt shooting of superior officers.

“Recently, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi, the commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole was removed for complaining about inferior military wares while briefing the Chief of Army Staff,” he said.

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The Reps revealed that having disgruntled retired soldiers without employment opportunity is dangerous.

“On the 3rd of July, 366 solders which is a battalion serving in the northeast; and other theaters of operation wrote to the COAS asking for voluntary retirement from the Nigerian army, citing loss of interest.

“Military sources blamed low morale and mass casualty for such resignation. If this is not brought under check by having disgruntled soldiers in the society without job security; it may become major security threat.”

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the ministry of Education to allow students to participate in the 2020 West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).

Specifically, the lower legislative chamber urged the government to reverse its decision; pulling Nigeria out of the WAEC Examination scheduled between the 3rd of August to 5th of September, 2020.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Nnoli Nnaji. The lawmaker in his motion asked the government to use the same strategy for re-opening of markets and religious centres; for students to write their examinations.

Further, he stated that the government should embark on testing of students; two weeks before the WAEC examination and ensure provisions of hand-washing facilities in schools.