Mr. Yerima Shettima, President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, has appealed to Nigerians to ensure the safety of Lance Corporal Martins Idakpein, the soldier who was seen in a viral video, berating Army chiefs for the unending insecurity in the North.
Yerima told NEXT EDITION in an interview that the issue raised by the Lance Corporal was very fundamental, stressing that matters relating to security must be taken seriously.
He urged Nigerians to ensure the safety of the soldier, who he described as a hero, who risked his life for the good of Nigerians.
“I hope they don’t kill him. I pray that nothing happens to him. I am so disappointed with most of the lawyers who claim to be human rights activists; they are only available when it is time to defend corrupt people.
“Lawyers must rise to the occasion and defend the young man. We must not allow these people to continue to mortgage our future for their selfish interest, thereby putting the lives of 200 million Nigerians in danger. I see the man as a hero,” Yerima said.
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While applauding members of the House of Representatives for the decision they took by asking the military to release the soldier, he maintained that the issue of security was fundamental and if the young man could be bold to speak up at the time, Nigerians must commend him.
He insisted that the man spoke like a hero in spite of the fact that he knew the consequences of his action, pointing out that if Martins went out of his way to make sacrifices for the good of Nigerians, he must be encouraged.
“The House of Representatives committee should open up on some of the issues he raised, if eventually they come in contact with him.
“If his claims were right, those accused should be brought to book. The young could not have summoned courage to speak the way he did, if he was lying,” he said.
