) The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) says it has commenced appropriate legal processes in relation to unverified allegations on social media against its Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye.
The academy said it would allow the relevant authorities to determine the matter in accordance with the law.
This is contained in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Maj. Njoka Irabor, issued to newsmen on Saturday in Kaduna following a video released by one Ms Ruth Ogunleye.
The statement said the video contained allegations against its Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, concerning a matter involving a staff member of the academy, Mr Abubakar Isah.
The academy, however, cautioned against the publication of unverified allegations on social media.
It noted that the issue between Ogunleye and Isah was related to alleged social media infringement.
The statement observed that the matter had been brought into the public domain through what it described as false allegations and an attempt at defamation.
It said: “NDA recognises the right of individuals to express their views and pursue legitimate grievances through appropriate channels.
“The academy caution against the publication and dissemination of unverified allegations capable of misleading members of the public or damaging the reputation of individuals and established institutions.”
According to the statement, NDA is a premier military training institution committed to discipline, professionalism, integrity, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
It added that complaints and grievances involving personnel or activities of the academy were subject to established procedures and should be pursued through appropriate institutional and legal channels.
“It is therefore, important to state that the issues raised in the video are matters that should be subjected to due process rather than determined through social media publications,” it noted.
The statement reiterated the academy’s commitment to truth, professionalism, accountability, fairness and the rule of law.
It added that the NDA would continue to protect the integrity of the institution while respecting the rights of all parties to seek lawful redress. (NAN)
