Metro
Court Nullifies 15-Year Compulsory Service Rule for Soldiers
The National Industrial Court (NIC) sitting in Abuja has nullified the provision of the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service for the Officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces (HTACOS), which made it mandatory for soldiers to serve for a minimum of 15 years before they could be allowed to resign.
The court, in a judgement that was delivered by Justice Emmanuel Subilim, declared the provision as both oppressive and a gross violation of fundamental rights that are protected by the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The verdict followed a suit marked: NICN/ABJ/25/2025, which a dissatisfied Air Force personnel, Flight Lieutenant J. A. Akerele, lodged before the court.
The Claimant, who told the court that he was commissioned in 2013 as a Pilot Officer during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, specifically challenged what he described as his “systematic persecution and victimisation,” by the authorities of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, after he applied to disengage from service.
He told the court that the then Chief of Air Staff not only rejected his resignation letter but equally declared him AWOL with a signal issued for his arrest.
Narrating his ordeal, the Claimant, in an affidavit he filed in support of the suit that was entered on his behalf by a human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, averred:
“Before the 14th day of September 2013, I was selected based on merit as a final year student in the Nigerian Defence Academy in July 2013 to complete my Flight training in the United States of America.
“During the course of my studies, allowances were no longer released for about 5) five months and I was abruptly recalled from the course in July 2014, and this led to my loss of seniority in rank, and I was not assigned to any unit for over a year.
“I switched five different career paths as a young officer in the Nigerian Air Force, and during this course, I was never promoted as compared to my course mates, as I spent 6 (six) years on the rank of a Flying Officer instead of the standard 4 (four) years.
“I was posted to the National Air Defence Corps, and my specialty was changed to Air Traffic Control and subsequently to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV); I began my UAV training in August 2016, but it was terminated as the foreign contractors were not paid according to terms.
“After several months of waiting, my specialty was again changed to the Intelligence Arm of the Air Force.
“I was nominated for the Intelligence Course after serving in Base Services Group (BSG) Lagos from November 2019 to November 2020, but it was later canceled and I was sent back to the UAV specialty.”
He told the court that the bitter experiences he was subjected to caused him “severe emotional distress, feelings of victimization, and a lack of sense of direction.”
The Claimant insisted that the ordeal adversely affected his mental well-being, saying he was traumatized.
“It was for these reasons and the enduring depression and trauma that I voluntarily resigned and disengaged from the Nigerian Air Force,” he added.
According to the Claimant, after his letter for voluntary resignation was received, the authorities of the NAF subjected him to a series of interviews and counselling.
He stated that his Commander and the disposal officers who conducted the interviews and counselling sessions supported his decision and recommended that he should be allowed to disengage from service.
However, he told the court that despite the recommendations, the then Chief of Air Staff rejected his letter of disengagement, insisting that he must serve at least 15 years before he could be eligible to voluntarily resign.
The Claimant told the court that the Air Force boss, basing his decision on provisions of the HTACOS, ordered his immediate arrest.
He argued that as a public servant, he had the constitutional right to voluntarily resign from service.
Challenging the action, the Claimant contended that the said HTACOS was not only a breach of section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, but equally negated various subsisting court judgements.
Delivering his judgement in the matter on Tuesday, Justice Subilim faulted the decision of Air Force authorities, saying it was akin to forcing soldiers into “modern day slavery under the guise of national service.”
Declaring that members of the Armed Forces have the statutory right to retire or resign voluntarily, the court struck down the 15-year compulsory service requirement provided by the HTACOS.
It dismissed the NAF’s argument that the Claimant’s letter had “voluntary retirement” as its caption instead of “resignation.”
The court held that what was of utmost importance was the substance of the letter and not its form, adding that the word “resignation” as used in Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, must be given a liberal and wider interpretation and not a restrictive interpretation, in line with decisions of the Supreme Court on principles governing the interpretation of the Constitution.
Consequently, the court granted the Claimant’s reliefs and declared his resignation from the NAF as valid and effective from the date his letter was received.
The court equally issued an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the Chief of Air Staff and the NAF, who were the 1st and 2nd defendants in the matter, from arresting or detaining the Claimant or compelling him to continue in military service.
Adron Homes set the stage for a remarkable sporting experience by hosting the Adron Cup Golf Tournament, bringing together golf enthusiasts, industry professionals, and distinguished guests for a day dedicated to excellence, competition, and camaraderie.
The tournament was officially declared open by the Chairman of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who earlier this year received the first-ever Nigeria’s Noble Golfer Award, reflecting his growing influence and passion for the game of golf. In a moment that drew applause across the course, he performed the ceremonial tee-off, symbolically setting the tournament in motion.
Following the opening, the Chairman embarked on a tour of the golf course, delighting participants and spectators alike. He played several holes, showing his enthusiasm for the game, while also taking time to engage, encourage, and cheer on the competing golfers.
Players described the experience as inspiring, noting that the Chairman’s presence elevated the spirit of the competition and reinforced the values of sportsmanship and unity that the tournament represents.
As the tournament concluded, Mr. Sunday Aderibigbe, representing the Chairman of Adron Homes, officiated the presentation of awards and the official unveiling ceremony. His presence added prestige to the event and affirmed the company’s continued commitment to celebrating excellence within the golfing community.
The inaugural Adron Cup Golf Tournament marks the beginning of what promises to be a premier sporting event in the region, reflecting Adron Group’s commitment not only to excellence in real estate but also to promoting recreation, community engagement, and healthy living through sport.
The event concluded with commendations for the organizers and enthusiastic feedback from participants, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former bank staff member, Obinna Nwaobi, before the Federal High Court in Enugu over the alleged criminal diversion of a customer’s $510,000.
Nwaobi was brought before Justice C.O. Ajah on a seven-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, fraudulent conversion, and stealing.
The EFCC said he abused his position as a banking officer to illicitly divert funds entrusted to him by a customer.
According to the charge, Nwaobi allegedly received the sum of $510,000 from a customer under the guise of helping to manage and invest the funds but dishonestly converted the money to his personal use.
The offences, the Commission noted, violate Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act 2006 and Sections 342 and 343 of the Criminal Code Law of Enugu State.
The Commission stated that the alleged fraud was uncovered after the new generation bank where Nwaobi previously worked detected suspicious transfers linked to him.
An internal review reportedly confirmed the irregularities, prompting the bank to escalate the matter to the EFCC, which then opened a full-scale investigation leading to his arraignment.
A senior compliance officer of the bank explained that strengthened surveillance systems and routine monitoring helped detect the suspicious transactions early.
The bank, he said, remains committed to sanitising the financial sector by reinforcing its anti-fraud unit and investing in advanced tools that track unusual account activities in real time.
The bank reaffirmed its collaboration with law-enforcement agencies to ensure that any staff member involved in fraudulent activity is promptly identified and prosecuted as part of wider efforts to protect customer funds and bolster public confidence in the banking system.
Nwaobi pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following his plea, the prosecution counsel requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant.
Justice Ajah ordered that he be remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Facility pending the determination of his bail application and adjourned the matter for further hearing.
By Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD
“Leadership envisions the future, Power builds it, but only Control ensures it endures. In their deliberate synergy lies the architecture of all human progress,” – Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD
Introduction: The Tripartite Foundation of Progress
At the heart of every significant human achievement—from the ascent of a thriving corporation to the resilience of a prosperous nation and the self-actualization of an individual—lies the potent interplay of three fundamental forces: Leadership, Power, and Control.
These concepts are often conflated or misunderstood. Yet, their distinct roles and synergistic relationship form the very bedrock upon which possibilities are envisioned and delivered. Leadership provides the vision and the compass; power furnishes the engine and the tools; and control ensures the steering and the governance. Together, they create an “architectonics of influence,” a deliberate framework for building a better future across all sectors of human endeavor.
Deconstructing the Core Concepts
- Leadership: The Compass of Purpose
Leadership is not merely a position; it is a process of social influence that maximizes the efforts of others toward achieving a goal. It is the domain of vision, inspiration, and emotional intelligence.
- For Peoples: Leadership manifests as mentorship, parenting, and community organizing. It empowers individuals to transcend their limitations, fostering personal growth, resilience, and a sense of agency.
- For Corporates: Leadership sets the strategic direction, cultivates culture, and inspires innovation. It is the force that aligns diverse talents toward a common mission, navigating market volatility and competitive pressures.
- For Nations: Leadership, at its best, articulates a national destiny, unites citizens around shared values, and steers the country through crises and opportunities on the global stage.
- Power: The Currency of Action
Power is the capacity to influence the behavior of others or the course of events. It is raw potential energy that, in itself, is neutral—its morality defined by its application. French and Raven’s classic bases of power provide a useful lens:
- Coercive & Reward Power: (Sticks and Carrots) Effective in the short term but often unsustainable, as they rely on external compliance rather than internal commitment.
- Legitimate Power: Derived from a formal position or title (e.g., CEO, Prime Minister).
- Expert Power: Granted based on knowledge, skills, and competence.
- Referent Power: The most potent form, earned through charisma, respect, and admirable qualities.
- Control: The Rudder of Stewardship
Control represents the systems, processes, and ethical frameworks that guide the application of power. It is the essential counterbalance that prevents power from becoming corrupt, arbitrary, or inefficient. Control is not about restriction, but about direction and stewardship.
- Mechanisms of Control: These include transparency, accountability, checks and balances, legal and regulatory frameworks, ethical codes of conduct, and performance metrics.
The Synergistic Equation: Leadership + Power + Control = Delivered Possibilities
The true impact occurs when these three elements are harmonized. Leadership without power is impotent; power without leadership is directionless; and both without control are dangerous.
The Formula for Impact: A visionary leader (Leadership) must wield appropriate forms of power (e.g., Expert and Referent) to mobilize resources and people. This application of power must then be channeled through robust control mechanisms to ensure it is effective, ethical, and aligned with the overarching goal. This synergy unlocks possibilities.
The Perils of Imbalance:
- Leadership without Power: The inspiring visionary with no authority or resources becomes a frustrated prophet, their ideas never materializing.
- Power without Leadership: The powerful but visionless authority figure (a tyrannical manager, a despotic ruler) creates chaos, stifles innovation, and leads to oppression or organizational decay.
- Power without Control: This is the definition of tyranny and corruption. It leads to the abuse of resources, the suppression of dissent, and ultimately, systemic failure (e.g., corporate scandals, state collapse).
Delivery Across Sectors: Peoples, Corporates, and Nations
- For Peoples: The Realm of Personal and Community Agency
- Leadership: Self-leadership—taking responsibility for one’s own growth and actions. Community leaders articulate a shared vision for neighborhood improvement.
- Power: The power of knowledge (Expert), the power of a strong network (Referent), and the collective power of organized action.
- Control: Personal discipline, ethical codes, and community-agreed rules of engagement.
- Delivered Possibilities: Empowered individuals achieve self-actualization. Cohesive communities solve local problems, foster social capital, and create environments where people can thrive.
- For Corporates: The Engine of Innovation and Value Creation
- Leadership: The CEO and C-suite set a compelling vision and culture. Middle managers translate strategy into action and empower their teams.
- Power: Legitimate power of hierarchy, expert power of specialized teams, and the referent power of a strong brand and respected leadership.
- Control: Corporate governance, board oversight, compliance departments, performance management systems, and a strong ethical culture.
- Delivered Possibilities: Sustainable profitability, market innovation, employee engagement and well-being, and long-term value for all stakeholders.
- For Nations: The Framework for Collective Prosperity and Stability
- Leadership: Elected officials, civil servants, and a judiciary that provide direction, uphold the law, and steward national resources.
- Power: The sovereign power of the state, derived from the consent of the governed (Legitimate), and exercised through institutions (military, judiciary, executive).
- Control: The Constitution, separation of powers, an independent judiciary, a free press, transparent elections, and anti-corruption watchdogs.
- Delivered Possibilities: Economic development, social justice, national security, public health, and the preservation of fundamental rights and freedoms—the foundation for a flourishing society.
The Indispensable Role of Control: From Stewardship to Possibilities
Control is the often-overlooked hero in this narrative. It is the difference between a dictator and a statesman, between a reckless conglomerate and a sustainable enterprise.
- Control Fosters Trust: Transparent and accountable systems build trust among citizens, employees, and investors, which is the currency of long-term collaboration.
- Control Enables Scalability: Without control mechanisms, organizations and nations cannot grow beyond a certain size without descending into inefficiency or chaos.
- Control Mitigates Risk: It provides the early warning systems and corrective actions that prevent catastrophic failures.
- Control Ensures Legitimacy: Power is seen as legitimate and worthy of support when it is exercised within a known and fair framework.
Conclusion: The Call for Conscious Stewardship
In a world of increasing complexity and interconnectedness, the deliberate and ethical management of leadership, power, and control is not a theoretical exercise—it is a practical imperative.
The ultimate delivery of possibilities—be it a child reaching their potential, a corporation pioneering a world-changing technology, or a nation achieving lasting peace and prosperity—rests on our collective ability to:
- Cultivate Leaders who are not only visionary but also humble, ethical, and empowered by referent and expert power.
- Wield Power consciously, recognizing its sources and its profound responsibility.
- Design and Uphold Control systems that are robust yet adaptable, ensuring that power is always a force for creation, not destruction.
The future does not simply happen; it is built. It is architected by those who understand that true, lasting power is the capacity to unlock human potential, and that the highest form of leadership is the stewardship of possibilities for all.
Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History and International Studies, Fellow Certified Management Consultant & Specialist, Fellow Certified Human Resource Management Professional, a Recipient of the Nigerian RoleModels Award (2024), and a Distinguished Ambassador For World Peace (AMBP-UN). He has also gained inclusion in the prestigious compendium, “Nigeria @65: Leaders of Distinction”.
