TD Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed as false a report attributing to him a statement that Nigerian soldiers should reject any salary increase until after the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in a clarification, Peter Obi described the report as entirely untrue.
He stressed that he holds the nation’s security forces, particularly personnel of the Nigerian Army, in high regard for their continued service under difficult and dangerous conditions.
According to him, his position has consistently been that Nigeria’s security personnel deserve adequate equipment, proper motivation, improved welfare and effective protection while carrying out their duties.
The former Anambra State governor said his concern for the welfare and safety of military personnel had been demonstrated on several occasions.
These, he said, include his reactions to incidents in which soldiers lost their lives while waiting for assistance during insurgency operations.
Why Security Personnel Deserve Proper Welfare
Obi questioned how those entrusted with defending the country could themselves be left vulnerable when they required urgent support.
He maintained that a government must be genuinely committed to national security.
It must also ensure that soldiers have the resources, equipment and institutional support necessary to perform their duties effectively.
The NDC presidential candidate further pledged that, if elected President, the welfare, resources, safety and dignity of Nigeria’s military personnel would remain among his administration’s priorities.
“Those who ensure Nigeria’s security must never be relegated to a secondary concern,” Obi said.
He added that soldiers deserve the nation’s utmost respect and support, as well as a government that would stand firmly behind them.
Call to Disregard Fake Report
Obi, therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard the report linking him to a call for soldiers to reject a salary increase.
He described it as misleading and inconsistent with his longstanding position on the welfare of Nigeria’s security forces.
He reaffirmed his commitment to what he described as a clear and consistent vision for building a secure, prosperous and better-governed Nigeria.
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