BRT violence: Lawmakers commend army for dismissing errant soldier

 Lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly have  commended the Nigerian Army for dismissing one of its members for contravening civil rule.

They also called on the army authority to speed up investigations into the killing of the Divisional Police Officer, Badagry and other policemen in the town, allegedly by soldiers.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN,  recollects that a soldier, Cpl Sunday Ayodeji on Thursday, June 23 flouted a Lagos State Traffic Law by driving his car on a dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane at Ikorodu road.

The army authority on Monday announced his dismissal and subsequent handing over to the police for trial.

His trial started Wednesday at an Ikeja magistrates’ court.

Commenting on the issue, Mr Suuru Avoseh (Badagry II) said the dismissal of the errant soldier came as a relief and would serve as deterrent to others.

“I commend the army’s step on the officer that caused mayhem at Ikorodu road. We all watched and heard how the soldier flouted the BRT law and when accosted, started fighting BRT people.

“We thank God, Nigeria Army, Ikeja and the police for averting the crisis that would have claimed lives. I learnt that he had been handed over for further action,“ he said.

Avoseh expressed the hope that with the dismissal of the officer, the days of  “unknown soldier” are over and any errant soldier would henceforth be brought to book promptly.

“This time around, it was not the issue of unknown soldier. It is a known soldier. We look forward to a better relationship between military and civilian,” he said.

Mr Ipoola Omisore (Ifako /Ijaye II) noted that there would be fewer problems in Nigeria if army subjects itself to civil rule.

He decried the impunity by which military men flout civil laws, saying that with the corporal’s dismissal, a strong signal has been sent to others.

“The army’s statement that its men should submit to civil rules is commendable. Army should reorient its members to submit more to civil rules,” he advised.

Mrs Funmilayo Tejuoso (Mushin I) also commended the army, saying: “Whoever breaks the law should be ready to face the consequences. It is good for the military to respect their uniform and civil laws.

“The misdeeds of military men are happening often. Lives and property have been wasted during some of the faceoff. The punishment is a good example,” she noted.(NAN)

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