By Ibrahim Garba
In a move to douse tension within the military and its formations over a virile video involving a Nigerian Army female personnel Ruth Ogunleye who alleged on social media that she was subjected to sexual harassment by her superiors, the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Kennedy Ohanenye has visited the Army High Command in Abuja.
In a press release issued by Ohaeri Osondu Joseph, Fnipr, Fcai, Special Assistant Media, said during the visit, the Minister was adequately briefed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja on the efforts the Army has put in place towards resolving the matter.
The visit offered the Minister an opportunity to verify authenticity of the matter noting that the lady’s salary was never stopped as she was paid up to December last year including her other colleagues. She also took a step further to visit the lady personnel in company of senior military officers.
Responding, Barr Uju Kennedy -Ohanenye expressed delight with professional conduct of the Army High Command on the viral video which had generated mixed reactions, showering praises on the Chief of Army Staff for putting necessary measures in place for the lady’s rehabilitation before the commencement of proper investigation into the matter.
“ I am happy to have met the Chief of Army Staff and other high ranking senior military personnel and must commend their collective efforts towards handling the issue, my visit is pursuant to the mandate of the Women Affairs Ministry promoting the interest and wellbeing of every Woman in Nigeria and I have received strong assurances from the Chief of Army Staff concerning this matter who has equally detailed some senior officers to accompany me to visit Miss Ogunleye. I interacted with her and I am optimistic that the outcome will be pleasant”
It would be recalled that Miss Ruth Ogunleye’s video went viral last week over allegations of sexual harassment, suspension of salary, stigmatization and unfair treatment by her superiors in the Army.
This informed the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Kennedy Ohanenye to step up action by paying a visit to Army High Command in Abuja in her quest to fight for the rights of Women in active service.
