Retired Nigerian Soldiers Protest at Ministry of Finance over Unpaid Allowances and Salaries

A group of retired soldiers who voluntarily exited the Nigerian Army protested at the Ministry of Finance on Monday, citing unpaid Security Debarment Allowance, Insurance, and withheld gratuity and salaries as reasons. The protesters, led by Staff Sergeant Simon Ipwu, began the demonstration at 10:15am and vowed to continue until their demands were met. The protesters, who shut down the main entrance to the ministry's headquarters, claimed that the Army was not comfortable with their leaving and had stopped their salaries for four months.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protesters are seeking payment of Security Debarment Allowance, Insurance, gratuity, and four months' salaries that were withheld after they tendered their resignation.
  • The Nigerian Army had stopped their salaries for four months, and despite promises, the payments were not made.
  • The protesters wrote letters to various offices, including the Army, Defence, Finance, DSS, and police, but did not receive a response.
  • The Security Debarment Allowance and Insurance have not been paid, and the pension gratuity is short-paid.
  • The protesters claim that the Army was not comfortable with their leaving and is trying to misrepresent their treatment.
  • Staff Sergeant Simon Ipwu is one of the leaders of the protest.
  • The protesters are seeking justice and fair treatment after their voluntary exit from the Nigerian Army.

Statistics:

  • 10:15am: The time when the protesters commenced the demonstration at the Ministry of Finance.
  • 4 months: The duration of time when the protesters' salaries were withheld by the Nigerian Army.
  • Multiple letters: The number of letters written by the protesters to various offices, including the Army, Defence, Finance, DSS, and police.
  • Short-paid: The state of the pension gratuity owed to the protesters.
  • Unclaimed: The status of the Security Debarment Allowance and Insurance payable to the protesters.

Sources:

  • Daily Trust: A Nigerian news publication that reported on the protest.
  • Nigerian Army: The army is mentioned as the organization responsible for withholding salaries and short-paying pension gratuity.
  • Ministry of Finance: The ministry is the location of the protest.