Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed anger over the maltreatment of Ezeiruaku Ifenyinwa Fidelia, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Cross River.
Fidelia is serving in the 13th Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army in Calabar, the state capital.
She was dehumanized by Lt. Chika Viola Anele, an assault that went viral after it was caught on camera.
A statement on Friday by Ohaneze President in Cross River, Ugoji Nwabueze condemned the unprofessional act.
Nwabueze said the incident placed the integrity and public relations principles of the army before the court of public conscience.
The association noted that in a democratic nation, the protection of the fundamental rights of citizens is sacrosanct.
“No matter the height of provocation, Anele crossed the red line of decorum and decency expected of an officer of that level”, Nwabueze noted.
He commended the Brigade Commander for offering an immediate investigation that led to the identification and arrest of the suspect.
Army spokesman, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the officer’s behaviour was against established precepts of discipline.
“The NA condemns this unimaginable level of infraction by personnel in its ranks. The officer’s actions have caused the NA monumental embarrassment,” he fumed.
Nwachukwu announced that Anele will undergo regimental orders (trial) in line with the extant provisions of the Armed Forces Act.
The General urged the public to continue to report abuses to Human Rights Desks in all Army formations.
