He said that Nigerian Army personnel are not immune to the hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal and devaluation of naira.
A Nigerian soldier, who identified himself as Lance Corporal Dantanimu Sunday, has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu over the exclusion of soldiers from the government’s N35,000 palliative award.
The letter dated January 8, copied to both chambers of the National Assembly, is titled: “Open Letter by Lcpl Dantanimu Sunday 16NA/75/9991 To Mr President Pertaining To Delay In The Payment Of Palliative Funds To Nigerian Army Personnel As Promised By The Federal Government Of Nigeria”.
Lamenting the economic hardship ravaging the country, the soldier, whom SaharaReporters cannot confirm whether he used his real name or pseudonym, said that Nigerian Army personnel are not immune to the hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal and devaluation of naira.
The letter partly read: “Sir it has been observed that most of the paramilitary personnel have been paid their palliatives fund as promised by the federal government due to the rise of cost in purchase of things in the country. However, on behalf of the Nigerian Army personnel I seek the indulgence of Mr President to look into this matter as the Nigerian Armed Forces are yet to receive their pay.
“Sir, if we should keep quiet without telling you this, the generals and the IPPIS will connive together and embezzle the money. Please, we need your attention on this before it gets too late.”
He questioned: “How will police be paid and even Customs and other paramilitary, yet Soldiers, Navy and the Air Forces which make up the Armed Forces will not be paid? That is an act of injustice and it will even lead to poor performance by the members of the Arm Forces at large. Please we need your urgent intervention on this matter before it gets too late.”
According to him, “Because some of our generals have become too gluttonous in their activities it has made the Nigerian Army personnel to become less valuable in the sight of the Nigerian citizens. Please, I want you to help us restore the lost glory of the Nigerian Army and the whole military and paramilitary at large. I would be very glad if my letter is given favourable consideration. Thank you, Mr President.”