The Nigerian Army has again denied that its personnel were planning to protest over poor working conditions and unpaid emoluments among others.
The Army had on May 18 refuted a similar claim.
Also, in a statement on Wednesday by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu described the assertions as unsubstantiated and a failed attempt at institutional blackmail.
He accused those behind the claims of trying to cause disaffection among personnel of the service.
Onyema added that in addition to welfare packages introduced by the current leadership of the Nigerian Army, salaries and other allowances of personnel were paid as and when due.
The statement partly read, “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to yet another mischievous report peddled by some online media, alleging serving officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army are planning to storm Abuja, to protest over unpaid emoluments, poor working conditions and other unsubstantiated allegations.
“Judging by the unprofessional and irresponsible manner in which the release was made, citing faceless persons, it could have been ignored. However, the weighty nature of the claims demands some clarification for the sake of well meaning Nigerians.
“It is on record that officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, like never before, has witnessed exceptional positive changes in the moral and physical components of the force. It is therefore crucial to state in very clear terms, that the NA has never had it so good, given the quantum of combat and logistics equipment that have been injected into the theatres of operations, a circumstance that has evidently turned the tide against the complex array of threats facing the nation.
“It must be made crystal clear that the NA remains a symbol of national unity and therefore cannot afford to be divided along ethnic or religious lines.
“Troops deployed in ongoing operational engagements are putting in their best for the nation and should be encouraged, rather than plotting disaffection amongst them. ”
He, however, urged all personnel to remain steadfast and unswayed by the antics of those he regarded as unpatriotic elements, who wanted to plunge the nation into chaos.
Punch
