Ndume hails Tinubu over military salary increase

Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling his pledge to increase the salaries of Armed Forces personnel.

Ndume, who represents Borno South, gave the commendation in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.

Recall that the Presidency had in September announced its commitment to implement a new salary package for certain categories of military personnel.

According to a statement signed by Presidential Media Aide, Bayo Onanuga, officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals and generals, would get 30 percent increase.

Those from colonel down to warrant officer 50 percent, while private to staff sergeant would get 80 percent.

Onanuga said the package would raise the annual salary bill from N660 billion to N924 billion and benefit over 250,000 personnel.

Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Samaila Uba, confirmed implementation of the review to Defence Correspondents on Friday.

Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, said the President has shown commitment to boosting morale.

He said, “Making a pronouncement is one thing, redeeming your pledge is a different ball game entirely.

“President Tinubu has shown times without number that he keeps to his words. It is heartwarming to note that the salary increment he promised the Nigerian Army has been redeemed.”

The federal lawmaker further said, “I want to urge our officers to redouble their efforts to curtail insecurity since the present administration is doing everything to boost their morale.

“They should do more now that they also have more troops on the ground with the recent recruitment.

“The activation of the Army Aviation would also go a long way in complementing the efforts of the Air Force now that we also have attack helicopters in the six geo-political zones.”

He restated his call for better synergy between infantry and Air Force in the war against insurgency and banditry.