Obi: Soldiers deserve better pay, welfare, protection

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed reports claiming that he asked Nigerian soldiers to reject any salary increase until after the 2027 general elections.

Obi described the report as false and misleading, stressing that he had never opposed improved remuneration for members of the Armed Forces.

In a statement issued on Tuesday through his official social media account, the former governor said his position had consistently been that Nigerian security personnel deserved adequate welfare, equipment, motivation and protection.

“I Never Said Military Should Reject Salary Increase,” Obi said, while distancing himself from the statement attributed to him.

He said he had profound respect for members of the security forces, particularly Nigerian Army personnel serving in difficult and dangerous conditions.

According to Obi, his concerns about the welfare of soldiers stem from the risks they face while defending the country and not from opposition to better salaries.

He recalled an incident in which soldiers were killed by insurgents following what he described as a delayed rescue effort, saying the development raised serious concerns about the protection available to troops deployed to dangerous areas.

“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.

Obi maintained that improved remuneration should go hand in hand with better operational capacity, equipment and protection for military personnel.

READ ALSO; Peter Okoye calls out Rudeboy over public shade amid language controversy

He further said that, if elected president, the welfare and safety of members of the Armed Forces would be among the priorities of his administration.

“Should I be elected President, the well-being, resources, safety, and honour of our soldiers will be a paramount priority,” he said.

He added that those responsible for protecting the country must not be treated as a secondary priority by the government.

“Those who ensure Nigeria’s security must never be relegated to a secondary concern,” Obi said.

The former governor also pledged to ensure that Nigerian troops were adequately equipped and protected while carrying out their duties.

“Under my leadership, scenarios where our servicemen and women are left unprotected in the face of peril will be eradicated,” he said.

Obi urged Nigerians to disregard the report linking him to the alleged call for soldiers to reject a salary increase, insisting that it did not represent his position.

He reaffirmed his commitment to what he described as a clear and consistent vision for a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.

“I implore the Nigerian populace to dismiss this misleading report,” he said.

Obi concluded by reiterating his belief that a new and secure Nigeria was achievable, signing off with his familiar political slogan: “The realisation of a new and secure Nigeria is indeed POssible.”