Rights Group Flags Army Promotion “Error,” Urges Tinubu To Intervene
By MELVIN KOFFA
A civil society organisation, the Leadership Center for Civil and Post Trauma Rehabilitation, has raised concerns over the Nigerian Army’s latest promotion list, calling it “uncomplimentary” and urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to correct what it describes as a major administrative error.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Dr. Manzo Abubakar, the group appealed to the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to exercise his prerogative to review the list to avoid demoralising deserving senior officers.
The group noted that Nigeria is battling security crises on multiple fronts, making the morale of military personnel critical. It argued that promotions remain one of the few non-monetary tools available to motivate soldiers who often work under difficult conditions and face life-threatening risks.
According to the organisation, promoting only 27 Brigadier Generals to Major General—despite about 78 vacancies created by recent retirements—risks causing widespread resentment among qualified officers. It warned that such stagnation had previously contributed to unrest within the military, referencing recent arrests of senior officers for alleged unprofessional conduct.
The group also questioned why the Navy and Air Force had fully utilised their promotion vacancies, while the Army, which is larger and more engaged in active combat, failed to do the same.
It cautioned that perceived unfairness in career progression could discourage talented young Nigerians from joining the military at a time the President has directed an expansion of the Army’s strength.
The statement stressed that Nigeria’s armed forces need strengthened welfare, motivation and leadership — especially as the United States recently designated the country as one of “particular concern.” The group urged the President to address the promotion gap “in the interest of equity, justice and fairness,” saying doing so would help stabilise the military and uphold democratic values.
