The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed as false a report attributed to him suggesting that Nigerian soldiers should reject any salary increase until after the 2027 general elections.
Obi, in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, described the report as misleading and insisted that he had never asked members of the military to turn down salary increments.
“I wish to address a recent report that falsely attributes a statement to me, suggesting that Nigerian soldiers should refuse any salary increments until after the elections. This assertion is entirely untrue,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor said his position on the welfare and working conditions of Nigeria’s security personnel had consistently been one of support, stressing that he holds the nation’s armed forces in high regard for their sacrifices in protecting the country.
“My profound respect for our security forces, particularly the Nigerian Army personnel who diligently serve and protect our nation under challenging conditions, is unwavering,” he stated.
According to Obi, he has consistently advocated better welfare, adequate equipment, motivation and protection for members of the nation’s security forces, particularly soldiers operating in difficult and dangerous environments.
“I have consistently advocated for the adequate provision of equipment, motivation, and protection for our security personnel,” he said.
Obi’s clarification comes against the backdrop of concerns he had previously expressed over the safety of soldiers deployed in the nation’s troubled security theatres.
He recalled an incident in which soldiers were killed by insurgents following what he described as a delayed rescue effort, questioning why those who risk their lives to defend the country could themselves be left exposed when they needed assistance.
“My concern was palpable when soldiers were lost to insurgents due to a delayed rescue effort, prompting me to question how those defending us could be left vulnerable in their time of need,” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate further pledged that the welfare, safety and professional dignity of members of the armed forces would receive priority under his administration if elected president in the 2027 elections.
“Should I be elected President, the well-being, resources, safety, and honour of our soldiers will be a paramount priority,” Obi declared.
He said the government must ensure that personnel responsible for protecting Nigeria are not treated as an afterthought, insisting that soldiers deserve the full support and commitment of the government and citizens.
“Those who ensure Nigeria’s security must never be relegated to a secondary concern,” he said.
Obi also promised that under his leadership, soldiers and other security personnel would not be left exposed to danger without adequate protection and support.
“Under my leadership, scenarios where our servicemen and women are left unprotected in the face of peril will be eradicated,” he stated.
He therefore appealed to Nigerians to disregard the report linking him to a call for soldiers to reject salary increases, describing it as misleading.
“I implore the Nigerian populace to dismiss this misleading report,” Obi said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to presenting what he described as a clear and consistent programme for transforming Nigeria into a more secure and prosperous nation.
“I remain committed to articulating a clear and consistent vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Concluding the statement with his familiar political message, Obi declared: “The realisation of a new and secure Nigeria is indeed POssible.”
The clarification is likely to put to rest the controversy over the statement allegedly attributed to the NDC presidential candidate, while underscoring his position that improved welfare, adequate resources and greater protection for members of Nigeria’s security forces should remain central to the country’s security strategy.
, Peter Obi, has dismissed as false a report attributed to him suggesting that Nigerian soldiers should reject any salary increase until after the 2027 general elections.){kind=link}