Allegation Of Soldiers Being Shortchanged Misguided, Untrue – Nigerian Army
*Promises To Investigate Matter
The Nigerian Army (NA) has noted with concern the report by some online media (not this medium) alleging that some “pseudo” aggrieved personnel wrote an open letter to the President, accusing the top brass of the Nigerian Army (NA) of corruption and extortion.
This was contained in a statement by the Army’s spokesperson, Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.
The Nigerian Army authority expressed worrisome about the insinuation that soldiers have threatened to embark on strike; an action which is tantamount to mutiny in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Contrary to the report, the NA, as part of her effort to guard against fraudulent practices and entrench accountability and transparency in the system, subscribed to the Integrated Personnel Pay Roll System (IPPS) as directed by the Federal Government, since 2018 and this has facilitated the flawless payment of salaries and allowances of personnel. The IPPIS does not permit any person access to payment processes. These processes undoubtedly, provide zero opportunity for anyone or a group of persons to manipulate personnel entitlements.
“It is also important to state that the NA and sister services, jointly operate a Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS), which is applicable to the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general. Therefore, what is applicable to personnel of other services (Nigerian Navy and Air Force), invariably applies to personnel of the NA.
“Suffice to state that personnel salaries and allowances are promptly and appropriately paid, without any form of shortchanging.
“Therefore, the vague allegation of corruption and extortion clearly depicts a shallow understanding of the processes of payments of personnel salaries and allowances. As it stands presently, all monthly entitlements of personnel have been disbursed. The allegations contained in the anonymous letter are therefore a ridiculous attempt at disparaging the NA and causing disaffection among personnel,” the statement stated.
The statement explained, “Though it is weird, that personnel of the NA, whose morale is considerably high under the command of the incumbent Chief of Army Staff, will make such allegations and threat, given the prioritised and prompt attention accorded soldiers’ welfare, including timely payment of their salaries and allowances by the current administration; the NA, as a professional institution, would, however, investigate the claims made in the report to establish its veracity and take appropriate action, where necessary.
“The NA wishes to state that it will not be deterred by any unpatriotic attempt, aimed at dwindling the morale of her personnel.
“Personnel of the NA are assured that the Chief of Army Staff’s innovative welfare programmes currently being implemented for Regimental Sergeant Majors down and their families, will be unmatched for posterity,” the statement added.
Be Professional In Your Conduct And Services: GOC Advices National Park Service
The management of the Old Oyo National Park has been advised to be professional in their conduct and services while protecting, preserving, conserving and managing the cultural, historical and archaeological features in their care.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Gold Chibuisi, advised when the Conservator of Park, Old Oyo National Park, Caroline Olory and her team paid him a courtesy visit.
The GOC commended the National Park Service and indeed the Old Oyo National Park for conserving old relics and encouraging the sustainable growth and abundance of biological materials of zoological and botanical specimens for scientific research and education.
He also appreciated and applauded the management of the park for a visit, noting that it will further improve and strengthen a healthy relationship, synergy and collaboration between the two organisations that will further encourage general interest and education among the public in the knowledge of wild fauna and flora to gain their support for conservation.
The GOC assured the Conservation of Park and her team of the Divisions cooperation and assistance when the need arises, pointing out that the security of life, property and national assets should not be left in the hand of one security agent alone.
Earlier, the Conservator of Park, Old Oyo National Park, Caroline Olory, said she was at the Division to seek support and work in harmony with the security agencies in the state to prevent the park from encroachment and bandits taking over. She urged the general public to endeavour to visit the park to enjoy its serene environment, beauty, geological, wildlife, and historical and archaeological sites.
Old Oyo National Park is one of the seven parks in Nigeria. The park was carved from two contiguous forest reserves of Upper Ogun and Oyo- Ile forest reserves. It is the fourth largest national park in Nigeria after Gashaka Gumti, Kanji Lake and Cross River.
