70 Nigerian Soldiers Granted Presidential Pardon Yet to Receive Benefits and Discharge Certificates
Since 2021, 70 Nigerian soldiers who were granted presidential pardons have yet to receive their entitlements, including discharge certificates and other benefits. These soldiers, who had been previously convicted for various offenses, were pardoned as part of an effort to address grievances within the armed forces and ensure fairness in the military justice system.
Despite the presidential directive, the delay in processing their discharge certificates and benefits has left the affected soldiers in limbo. Many of them, having served the nation, hoped that the pardon would mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, but the prolonged wait has led to frustration and uncertainty about their future.
Advocacy groups and legal experts have called on the government to expedite the process, emphasizing the importance of honoring the commitments made through the pardon. They argue that the delay not only undermines the purpose of the presidential gesture but also affects the morale of serving soldiers who might fear similar treatment in the future.
The Ministry of Defence has yet to provide a clear explanation for the delays, fueling concerns about bureaucratic inefficiencies. As the soldiers continue to wait, the issue underscores the need for reforms in the military’s administrative processes to ensure that justice and benefits are delivered promptly.
