DHQ moves to harmonise court martial procedures

The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has reiterated its commitment to harmonise court martial procedures across the services in line with the nation’s justice system.

The Chief Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, stated this on Monday at the opening of conference on ‘Rules of Procedure, Substance Abuse and Sexual Orientation in the Armed Forces of Nigeria’ in Abuja.

Represented by the Chief of Defence Administration Rear Adm. Monday Unurhere, the CDS said that Nigeria’s contemporary operating environment was confronted with multiple administrative challenges with telling consequences for military effectiveness.

He said given that discipline is the bedrock of the military, the DHQ responses to these challenges especially in relation to how we regulate the conduct of personnel requires added impetus.

“Accordingly, the DHQ jumped at this opportunity to develop a comprehensive approach to harmonizing the Rules of Procedure for court martial, addressing issues of substance abuse and homosexuality within the Services.

Advertisement

“Notably, differences in extant Rules of Procedure for administration of justice in the Armed Forces across the Services create inconsistencies in the administration of military justice.

“These inconsistencies are further deepened by fragmentation and obsolescence of aspects of the Rules.

“Consequently, it has become expedient to review the extant Rule of Procedure with a view to eliminating conflicts by harmonising the application of justice and enforcement of discipline in the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the military was not spared from growing global debates on substance abuse and homosexuality, adding that the twin issues had massive negative effects on morale and operational effectiveness.

Musa expressed confidence that the conference would foster engaging dialogues, vibrant exchange of ideas towards generating bespoke and enduring solutions that would strengthen justice and discipline within the military.