Wives of soldiers detained for committing various offences in Borno State have pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and military authorities to pardon their husbands.
Appealing for mercy, the leader of the group, Rose Emmanuel David, who spoke on behalf of 30 other women, said, ‘If Boko Haram terrorists can be pardoned, why not our husbands?’
She noted that the detention of their husbands at the 7 Division Military Police Facility has put them under emotional stress and financial hardships.
‘Some of our husbands were detained for one year and eight months; the children born after them have grown up without knowing their fathers.
‘Many of us are faced with serious financial hardships. I’m personally surviving the situation by frying bean cake (Akara) for sale.
It’s very difficult for us to adapt to the new situation,’ she said.
She pleaded with the president to find a place in his heart to forgive their husband in the spirit of Nigeria at 65 celebrations.
‘We acknowledge their mistakes, they have deeply reflected, and now seek a second chance to serve their country with renewed loyalty.
‘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,’ she said.
Last week, Special Court Martial (SCM) convened by the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, has slammed 2 Senior Non-commissioned Officers and 2 Non-Commissioned Officers for Arms/Ammunition racketeering as well as Aiding and Abetting the Enemy.