NGO Defends Army Logistics Officer Against Calls for Dismissal: A Case of Misguided Activism?

Within the Supply Chain Industry, a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) known as the ‘Dynamic Patriotic Citizens Foundation’ has come out in strong opposition to call for the dismissal of Army Logistics Officer, Maj. Gen. Erema Akerejola.

These calls were made by another NGO, the ‘Centre for Social Justice Equity and Transparency.’

The Dynamic Patriotic Citizens Foundation issued a statement on February 22, 2024, condemning the Centre for Social Justice Equity and Transparency’s demands for the dismissal of Maj. Gen. Akerejola.

The statement argued that the calls for dismissal were baseless and lacked any evidence to support their claims.

The foundation also criticized the Centre for Social Justice Equity and Transparency for attempting to distract a hardworking public servant from performing their duties.

The statement read, “We are the Dynamic Patriotic Citizens Foundation, a non-governmental organization that aims to encourage hardworking and patriotic citizens working diligently in serving the nation Nigeria.

We are always in the field as watchdogs, monitoring Nigerians in positions of authority, to bring out the best in them by encouraging them to focus on their jobs with seriousness and condemning anyone found to be unpatriotic in the service of the nation.”

Maj. Gen. Erema Akerejola is a highly decorated officer in the Nigerian Army, having served in numerous capacities, including as the Chief of Logistics at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

He has been instrumental in enhancing the Nigerian Army’s operational capabilities and ensuring the smooth functioning of the supply chain.

The Centre for Social Justice Equity and Transparency, on the other hand, has accused Maj. Gen. Akerejola of corruption and mismanagement of resources.

However, these allegations have not been substantiated, and the Dynamic Patriotic Citizens Foundation has called the Centre for Social Justice Equity and Transparency’s claims “unfounded.”

The controversy has sparked a debate on the role of NGOs in the defense and national security sectors.

Some argue that NGOs should focus on their core objectives, such as promoting social justice and equity, and not interfere in matters related to the military and national security.

Others believe that NGOs have a responsibility to hold public officials accountable and ensure transparency in all sectors, including the military.

As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and whether the Centre for Social Justice Equity and Transparency’s calls for the dismissal of Maj. Gen. Erema Akerejola will gain traction or be dismissed as misguided activism.