By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has facilitated the payment of delayed December salaries for military personnel, who are out there protecting Nigerians.
Dr. Bello, personally made all necessary contacts with the authorities in charge of payment of salary to ensure the payment.
The Minister, in a statement signed by the Director of Information & PR, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, said, the Military officers celebrated with their loved ones as their salaries were paid.
The Minister’s intervention came in the heat of non-payment of December salary to our Nigerian Soldiers during this festive season.
Recognizing the critical nature of the matter, Dr Matawalle, collaborated with the Accountant General of the Federation and the AGF, to effectively work with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to expedite the resolution of the salary payment delay.
He said that contrary to some reports, “we can confirm that payments have commenced”.
Thanking the concerned authorities for the prompt payment of December salary after his intervention, the Minister applauded the Military for their dedication and commitment to their duties despite the initial challenge in the payment of their December salary.
He said: “I hope the payment will boost your morale to carry on your constitutional duty of protecting the nation”.
The Minister further said that he would continually use his good office to promote the well-being of the Nigerian Military.
“As the Minister of State for Defence, I am aware of the sacrifices made daily by our brave men and women of the Armed Forces in ensuring the safety and security of our nation. Your dedication, resilience and commitment to duty serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to us all,” he said.
He charged all Nigerians irrespective of their religion to pray for the Military officers who are out there protecting citizens and the territorial integrity of our nation.
