The Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) has condemned the recent protest and calls for the resignation of Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS) over the alleged illegal detention of Major Gen. Umaru Muazu Mohammed.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, CSGGG President Chief Ogakwu Dominic stated, “We, the civil society groups for good governance and other allied well-purposed civil society organizations, condemn the sponsored protest, misinformation, and resignation campaign.
“We believe in upholding the truth and promoting good governance. We support the NCOS’s efforts in fulfilling its mandate, as well as the military’s efforts to maintain discipline and ensure accountability within their ranks.
” We will not stand idly by while mischief-makers attempt to tarnish the reputation of the NCOS, its Comptroller General, and the military.”
Dominic urged the public to be cautious of sponsored protests and misinformation campaigns, appealing to CSOs to prioritize truth and integrity in their advocacy efforts.
He requested that the military continue ensuring transparency and accountability in their operations.
The group aims to correct what it sees as gross misinformation regarding the alleged illegal detention of the Army General.
Dominic emphasised the importance of discipline in the military, quoting George Washington: “Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable, procures success to all of the weak, and esteem to all.”
He noted that anyone who has erred, regardless of their standing in society, should face disciplinary actions if found culpable.
He added that recently, a group of CSOs allegedly sponsored by interests intent on discrediting the NCOS and its leadership staged a protest requesting the resignation of Comptroller-General Haliru Nababa and the release of Maj. Gen Umaru Muazu Mohammed from Kuje Prison.
Dominic stressed that the protest was orchestrated to distract from the genuine efforts of the NCOS in providing custodial care for inmates and the military in maintaining peace and security.
“The NCOS does not carry out arrests. Arrests are typically performed by law enforcement agencies such as the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services,” he saaid, adding that the accusations against the CG of NCOS by the George Uboh Whistle-Blowers Network are baseless.
He clarified that Major General Umaru Muazu Mohammed was handed over to the NCOS after his conviction and sentencing by a military court-martial and is now serving his sentence at Kuje Correctional Center.
Dominic concluded by urging the public to verify information through official channels before accepting it as true, asserting that the protest and resignation campaign aim to mislead the public and undermine the military’s authority.