… Says allegation misleading, inciting
The Nigerian Army has debunked the allegation of delayed payment of Soldiers’January salary as reported by a news medium (not Primetime Reporters).
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu who refuted the allegation in a statement in Abuja on Saturday recalled that a publication by the said medium alleged that personnel of the Nigerian Army lamented delay in payment of their January salary, with many paid peanuts while Generals feed fat.
The statement observed that the report was 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 must be emphasised that over the years, the NA has built a reputation and unbroken record of prompt payment of salaries and allowances. Officers and soldiers get their monthly salaries and allowances as and when due, it stated.
The statement went on to explain that if there was any envisaged delay, troops were usually communicated through the internal communication mechanism.
“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 statement further said.
It however called 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.
“Our troops are in high spirit and would not be distracted by any mischievous submission by agent provocateurs”, it concluded.
Photo: Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff.
Send your news, press releases/articles to augustinenwadinamuo@yahoo.com. Also, follow us on Twitter @ptreporters and on Facebook on facebook.com/primetimereporters or call the editor on 07030661526, 08053908817.
