2 hours ago
12
CDS Chris Musa
ABUJA – Personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, for prioritizing their welfare, including the timely payment of operational allowances for troops on the frontline.
This comes in response to allegations made by individuals claiming to be soldiers, accusing the military of non-payment of allowances and other welfare concerns.
The petition, purportedly written by Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Dudu Ishaya, Warrant Officer (WO) Jeff Hassan, Sgt Adamu Usmaniya, and Sgt Maiyaki Ikon Allah, alleged delayed payment of operational allowances for Nigerian troops returning from foreign missions and other unfulfilled commitments, such as arrears and benefits outlined in the Manual Financial Administration (MAFA) document approved since 2018.
In separate interviews, active-duty personnel dismissed the allegations as false and malicious. MWOs Idris Walid Tanko, Ishaku Jibrin, Abiodun S, WO Jacob Ololoh, Sgt Onyeka Eme Nike, and Lance Corporal Eneyoh Atang challenged the petitioners to publicly verify their identities and positions within the military.
“Enhanced Welfare Under General Musa” MWO Idris Walid Tanko praised General Musa’s leadership, stating:
“Non-commissioned officers are currently enjoying enhanced welfare packages, including routine training, affordable housing, and the prompt payment of operational allowances to troops engaged in counterterrorism operations nationwide. This has significantly boosted morale.”
“The so-called petitioners should present themselves in an open forum to authenticate their identities as soldiers. Their claims are baseless and do not reflect the professionalism and discipline upheld under General Musa’s leadership.”
Abiodun called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other recipients of the petition to disregard the claims.
“Even if these petitioners are real soldiers, their actions suggest external inducement, which is both unprofessional and unbecoming of the military tradition.”
Sgt Onyeka Eme Nike highlighted the steady improvement in welfare under General Musa:
“We have never had it this good. The CDS is a soldier’s soldier, whose welfare-centric policies have transformed the morale of troops.”
Lance Corporal Etang acknowledged occasional delays in payments but attributed them to broader fiscal challenges facing the federal government.
“Instances of delayed payments are rare and typically linked to funding constraints faced by the government. Nevertheless, the military leadership has ensured transparency and accountability.”
Under the leadership of General Christopher Musa, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have reportedly maintained professionalism and prioritized welfare, including prompt allowances for troops involved in kinetic operations. These efforts have been described as fostering discipline, boosting morale, and ensuring operational effectiveness.
The allegations, described by some as a smear campaign, have been widely dismissed by active-duty personnel as attempts to undermine the achievements of the current military leadership.
