By Augustine Ehikioya
Faulting a media report, the Nigerian Army has declared as false the allegation of delayed January salary payment for soldiers.
It said that the Army under the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has ensured prompt payment of salaries, allowances and all statutory entitlements to personnel by prioritizing the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
The statement said the allegation is aimed at inciting and misleading the soldiers.
It reads “The Nigerian Army (NA) has been notified of a publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that personnel of the Nigerian Army lamented delay in payment of their January salary, with many paid peanuts, while Generals feed fat.
“This report is not only misleading, but a grandiose attempt to incite personnel against established precept of discipline in the NA.
“For avoidance of doubt, since the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya assumed command, he has prioritized the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families, including ensuring prompt payment of salaries, allowances and all statutory entitlements to personnel.
“Therefore, the allegation suggesting delay and non implementation of new salary increase is a reckless falsehood in all its intent and purposes,” it stated.
The statement also emphasized that the Nigerian Army over the years has built a reputation and unbroken record of prompt payment of salaries and allowances.
It added “Officers and soldiers get their monthly salaries and allowances as at when due.”
The statement noted that troops are usually communicated through the internal communication mechanism whenever there is any envisaged delay.
It said “It is therefore instructive to state that for the month of January, all salaries and allowances have been paid. The attempt to stir up discontent and whip up sentiment with regards to the unsubstantiated and baseless report that Generals feed fat is an outrageous frivolity.
“It is an attempt to incite personnel against the institution and cause disaffection in the ranks and should therefore be outrightly discountenanced.
“The NA wishes to call on all credible media to distance themselves from the apparent unprofessional and disgraceful yellow journalism practiced by some media channels and purveyors of fake of news.”
The troops, the statement said, are in high spirit and would not be “distracted by any mischievous submission by agent provocateurs.”