The Socialist Workers League demands justice for ex-corporal Matilda Anighoro, a nurse who has raised grievous allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation and victimisation against the commander of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, General S.O. Okoigi.The nurse had to resign after facing persecution because of her persistent refusal of sexual advances by the general. Rubbing salt on an open wound, the Nigerian Army delayed her self-retirement and till date has refused to pay her terminal emoluments.
The Elegant Nurses Forum brought this worrisome matter to the public, urging the Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Women Affairs to initiate an independent inquiry into the allegations, which General Okoigi denied. Several weeks after this demand, there has not been a word from either of the two public officials. This is unacceptable.
As the ENF pointed out: “This case is not just about one individual; it reflects broader systemic issues that must be addressed decisively. Silence and inaction only embolden perpetrators and deepen injustice,”
Several studies have shown that sexual harassment is prevalent in Nigeria, including in the workplace. A culture of silence or worse still further victimisation of the victims, makes most women afraid of speaking out. The situation is worse in the military. Rank-and-file women who dare speak as Nurse Matilda has done run against the brick wall of the military’s hierarchical order.
This is not the first time that a female soldier has dared to speak out. Private Ruth Ogunleye equally accused Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem of sexually harassing and then persecuting her in 2024. Not surprisingly, an internal investigation by the Army absolved Col. Abdulkareem and rather claimed that she had mental health issues. She was then discharged from the Army. But, as human rights advocates noted at the time, it was essentially a case of the army protecting its own, or more appropriately protecting a male top brass against a woman who was a rank-and-file soldier.
That is the more reason why Gen. Okoigie’s claim that there had been an internal investigation which absolved him is clearly questionable. There must be an independent inquiry for justice to be done and seen to be done.
We call on women’s rights and other civic organisations, trade unions and the broad civil society movement to demand justice for Matilda Anighoro and an end to sexual harassment in the Nigerian Army. Silence would not be complacency. It would amount to complicity.
Kelvin AYEMHENRE
National Chairperson
Amara NWOSU
National Secretary
