Buhari who spoke at the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Maiduguri last week said he is determined to ensure that every citizen feels safe and secure in all parts of the country, adding that this can only be achieved through enhancement in welfare and cooperation among the security agencies.
But, while the president was making promises, the combatants on the field have continued to count their losses and deprivations by the commanding authorities. Speaking with Sunday INDEPENDENT, one of the soldiers on the battle field decry the N30, 000 stipend as monthly salaries, accusing their leaders of feeding the president with wrong information as well short changing in other entitlements.
“The N30, 000.00 per month is inadequate, no helmet, no fragmented jacket and feeding poor. No efficient and functional weapons. No special promotion and if at all, selective.”
Another soldier, who also pleaded anonymity said, “There is no morale at all, when you see the day you vthank God but not sure of the next one. Our oga stopped in Maiduguri, he did not go near where the thing happened. He didn’t even visit the division where it happened. We are still having attacks here and there, but we always pursue them. What we need is the original weapons not fake ones from China that will be having stoppages.”
However, the president told his audience that the officers and soldiers who are fighting against the curse of terrorism in the North East deserve all the attention our country’s leadership can demonstrate to them.
His words: “I want to reassure you that as your Commander-In-Chief, I will do everything within my powers to continue empowering you by providing all the necessary equipment, force multipliers and enablers required for you to prevail on the field. I also want you to be aware that I am currently looking into measures to improve your entitlements and welfare generally.
“Let me remind the audience that the cardinal objectives of this administration remain the entrenchment of security, restructuring the economy and the fight against corruption, to ensure a steady, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
“In addition, our commitment to entrenching purposeful and accountable leadership remains firm because it is the base from which peace, security and national development would be built on.
“I therefore wish to reiterate that leaders of all strata of society including our Armed Forces must embrace the wind of CHANGE that is blowing across the country for good. There must be cooperation at inter-Service and inter-agency levels.
“To this end, the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs must work closely together as well as with other security agencies to improve on strategies that will defeat terrorism, militancy and other forms of criminal activities in our country.”
The president acknowledged the fact that “in the recent months and in recent days there have been some operational losses in the Northern part of Borno State, particularly in Jilli, Arege and Metele. I know that you are doing your best to reverse this trend and I want to assure you that no effort will be spared in providing the necessary support you require to complete the task. We remain committed to ending the crisis in the North East and making the entire area safe for all. I urge you all to keep up the good work.”
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