The Abia State Government has responded to the arrest of a Nigerian Army personnel, Amoke Simon, who was recently received by the state governor and promised medical support.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ferdinand Ekeoma said information from military authorities revealed that the soldier was arrested in connection with an alleged fraud committed some time ago.
According to Ekeoma, the government had established that the personnel once served in Abia and later sustained an injury while on duty outside the state. He explained that the injured soldier was brought to the governor by a non-governmental organisation seeking medical assistance.
He clarified that Alex Otti’s decision to offer support to the soldier was purely based on compassion and the administration’s humanitarian approach to citizens and security personnel facing hardship.
“The promise of support was on compassionate grounds in line with the government’s altruistic disposition, which has seen the administration extend similar support to several citizens, including security agents who suffered one misfortune or another while discharging their duties,” the statement said.
Ekeoma cited several instances where the state government had previously intervened to support families and security personnel affected by tragic incidents.
He noted that the government recently extended financial assistance to the family of a naval officer who died in an auto crash around the Osisioma Flyover in Aba.
Similarly, financial support was reportedly provided to the family of an immigration officer who was allegedly stabbed to death by his wife in Umuahia.
The statement also revealed that eight personnel of the Nigerian Army who were involved in a road accident were recently discharged from hospital after undergoing treatment and surgeries funded by the state government.
Ekeoma explained that such interventions are usually preceded by proper verification, noting that the government is cautious before providing financial assistance.
“All these cases and many others too numerous to list here were thoroughly investigated before financial support was extended to the affected persons, because the government is not Father Christmas,” he said.
The governor’s spokesman further disclosed that the state government had requested due diligence on Sergeant Amoke, which may have triggered the military authorities’ action that led to his arrest shortly after his visit to the governor.
He added that since corruption investigations fall outside the jurisdiction of the state government, the administration fully supports legitimate actions taken by the Nigerian Army to discipline erring personnel and ensure justice.
“The government shall continue to offer financial, medical and humanitarian support to victims of different forms of misfortune whenever necessary, notwithstanding the controversies surrounding Sergeant Amoke’s case,” Ekeoma stated.
