By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Theater Commander, JTF Operation Hadin Kai, Theater Command Headquarters, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Major General Chris G. Musa has inaugurated the 4th Special Court Martials to trial of some of the accused persons that were convicted and awarded various punishments in accordance with provisions of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 FN 04.
While declaring the special martial court inaugurated on Thursday at the Theatre Command Officers’ Mess , Gen. Chris recalled that 3 Court Martials were inaugurated on 9 Oct 21 and the courts disposed about 227 cases. Out of which, 107 cases were recommended for summary trials while 120 cases have been concluded.
“Therefore, the court I am about to inaugurate today is to try the left over cases by the dissolved courts and some recent established cases involving personnel for professional misconduct.
The inauguration of this court therefore is nothing but a normal command responsibility placed on me by Section 131 (2) (d) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 LFN 2004.
“Though the Court is Special but it does not have any special interest to serve rather than the maintenance of justice, discipline and regimentation.
“The Military as an institution is known for maintenance of discipline while discharging our constitutional duties. The operational efficacy of the troops is guaranteed when the value of discipline is upheld.
” This inform the decision to inaugurate this Special Court Martial under my command this morning to continue with the leftover cases in the Theatre, in the spirit of Justice delayed is Justice denied.
“Therefore, the Court will be guided by the principles of natural justice, equity and fairness throughout the conduct of its proceedings.
“Let me assure you the accused persons that nobody has any reason to fear as the Court will carry out its proceedings in accordance with the provisions of extant rules and regulations.
” The theatre command has already provided a level playing field for both the accused persons and the prosecution team.
“To this end, I wish to call on the President, members of the Court and all other stakeholders to remember your oaths, honor and dignity which requires you to justify the confidence reposed on you.
“I wish to conclude this remark with the words of Justice Oputa of blessed memory that “Justice is not a one way traffic, it is not for the accused only, Justice is not only even a two way traffic. It is really justice for the accused, justice for the victim and finally, justice for the system, which laws has been broken”, Gen. Musa said
