Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno South, has urged military personnel to intensify their efforts against insurgency, kidnapping and banditry following the implementation of the federal government’s salary increase for armed forces personnel.
Ndume, who represents Borno south senatorial district, gave
the charge in a statement on Saturday while commending President Bola Tinubu
for fulfilling his pledge to increase military personnel’s salaries.
The former chairman of the senate committee on army said the
salary increase would boost the morale of personnel, adding that it should be
matched with greater efforts to tackle insecurity.
In August, the presidency announced the implementation of a
new salary package for certain categories of armed forces personnel.
Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said officers above
the rank of colonel, including brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant
generals and generals, would receive a 30 percent salary increase.
He said personnel from colonel down to warrant officer would
receive a 50 percent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant would
get an 80 percent increase.
Onanuga said the new package would raise the annual salary
bill for armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion and benefit
more than 250,000 personnel.
Samaila Uba, director of defence information, confirmed the
implementation of the salary increase to defence correspondents on Friday.
‘MAKING A PRONOUNCEMENT IS ONE THING’
Ndume said the implementation demonstrated that Tinubu had
fulfilled his promise to improve the welfare of military personnel.
“Making a pronouncement is one thing; redeeming your pledge
is a different ball game entirely,” he said.
“President Tinubu has shown times without number that he
keeps to his words. It is heartwarming to note that the salary increment he
promised the Nigerian Army has been redeemed.”
He urged military officers to redouble their efforts against
insecurity, particularly with the recent recruitment of additional personnel.
“I want to urge our officers to redouble their efforts to
curtail insecurity since the present administration is doing everything to
boost their morale,” he said.
“They should do more now that they also have more troops on
the ground with the recent recruitment.”
Ndume said the activation of army aviation would complement
the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force in the fight against insurgency and
banditry.
He also called for better coordination between the army
infantry and the air force, particularly with the deployment of attack
helicopters across the six geopolitical zones.
The former senate leader said the administration had, over
the past three years, demonstrated commitment to tackling insecurity through
increased financing, procurement of arms and ammunition, and measures aimed at
improving the morale of armed forces personnel.
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