By: Gbenga Akingbule
Following Independent Day celebration, wives of over 30 detained Soldiers in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital on Wednesday appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervain and pardon their husbands.
Gatekeepers News reports that the soldiers, according to their wives were detained without trial at the Nigerian Army 7 Division Military Police Facility for a period of between 8 and 20 months.
The women who stormed the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) complex in Maiduguri, carrying placards with various inscriptions said they are struggling to afford basic necessities, with feeding, healthcare, and their children’s education severely impacted.
“We respectfully call on His Excellency, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to grant them a presidential pardon. We also appeal to the National Assembly, the Executive Governor of Borno State, and all Nigerians of goodwill to support this plea.
“It is important to remember that amnesty has been extended to repentant insurgents and bandits who once raised arms against the state. These soldiers are Nigerians too men who once risked their lives to defend our people and preserve our nation. They deserve the same mercy, so they can once again fight for peace, unity, and security.
“This is not a call for sympathy, but for justice with compassion. Their service and sacrifices should not be forgotten. Granting them pardon will not only restore their dignity but also strengthen the bond of trust between the nation and those who defend it,” The women, led by one of them , Rose Emmanuel David said.
