A soldier who deserted an NYSC Orientation Camp, where s/he is on a military assignment, to engage in a marriage proposal escapade, without leave, is, without sentiments, in breach of Service regulations; and is, therefore, liable to face a disciplinary action. Absenting oneself from duty or being “absent without leave ( awol)” is a serious infraction in the military.
Offending the army’s social media use policy, and recklessly proposing to marry a “youth corper” under her supposed regimental and seeming “in loco parentis “ supervision become further aggravations.
A soldier is trained to be resilient, and toughened to be able to withstand pressure. He is not permitted to abandon his military duty post for the pursuit of personal endeavours. Epicurean, romantic, and marital purposes may not be excluded. Even bereavement. For sickness, a sick leave must be obtained, except it is a case of sustaining an injury in battle or being wounded in combat.
A free and democratic society is not a disorderly, unruly, and indisciplined society.
However, the marriage waiting period for a female soldier, if such exists under army regulations, is discriminatory. It offends the provision of section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, if male soldiers are not subjected to similar treatment as their female counterparts. That practice must come to an end. We hold this view regardless of the qualification or exception under Section 42(3) of the Constitution.
Jiti Ogunye. Lagos State
