By our Reporter
The Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, Ph.D., has presented a formal petition to the House of Representatives on behalf of his constituent, Lance Corporal Francis Akwaowo, seeking redress following his dismissal from the Nigerian Army.
According to the petition, Lance Corporal Akwaowo—formerly of the 134 Special Forces Battalion, Maiduguri, Borno State—was court-martialed in 2022 over allegations of unlawful possession of firearms, a charge he denies. He was subsequently dismissed in January 2024, and his salary was stopped in September 2024. The petitioner maintains that he was not given a fair hearing or afforded due process throughout the disciplinary proceedings.
LCpl. Akwaowo, who describes himself as a loyal and dedicated serviceman, is appealing for a full investigation into his dismissal. He is requesting his immediate reinstatement, the restoration of his salary and entitlements, and a comprehensive review of the disciplinary process that led to his removal from service.
While presenting the petition, Rep. Idem urged the House to mandate the Committee on Defence to investigate the circumstances surrounding the court-martial and dismissal, and to ensure that justice is served in accordance with principles of fair hearing and due process.
He further appealed for the reinstatement of Akwaowo’s salary pending the conclusion of the investigation and recommended that reinstatement be considered if the dismissal is found to be unjust or procedurally flawed.
The petition has been referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions for further legislative action.
This marks the second petition Rep. Idem has submitted in as many days, as part of his ongoing advocacy for constituents facing what they allege to be unfair dismissal from public service roles
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