DHQ Clears Air On Protest By Retired Soldiers

The Defence Headquarters DHQ has called on some retired soldiers staging protests at the Federal Ministry of Finance to exercise caution and vacate the premises to allow the smooth running of government activities.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on the development, the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, explained that the protests were being carried out by veterans who retired between January 1 and July 28, 2024, before the implementation of the new national minimum wage.

According to him, gratuity and the Security Debarment Allowance SDA for military personnel are calculated based on the salary chart effective on the date of retirement.

He added that the Federal Government had approved and commenced the new minimum wage structure on July 29, 2024, meaning that personnel who retired before this date remain under the pre-minimum wage chart.

Major General Kangye further noted that despite repeated explanations, the affected veterans have continued to mount barricades at the Federal Ministry of Finance, disrupting official activities.

While acknowledging their right to peaceful protest, Major General Kangye urged the aggrieved veterans to desist from actions that obstruct the smooth conduct of government business.

Aisha Adesanya, Edited By Grace Namiji