I never said Military should reject salary increase – Peter Obi denies report

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi has denied reports claiming that he asked Nigerian soldiers to reject any salary increase until after the 2027 elections.

Obi dismissed the report as false, saying he had never advocated withholding or rejecting improved remuneration for members of the Armed Forces.

In a statement issued on Tuesday through his official social media account, Obi said his position had consistently been that Nigeria’s security personnel deserved adequate welfare, equipment, motivation and protection.

“I Never Said Military Should Reject Salary Increase,” he said, describing the report attributed to him as misleading.

Obi said he had profound respect for Nigerian security forces, particularly personnel of the Nigerian Army serving under difficult and dangerous conditions.

He maintained that his concerns about the welfare of soldiers were motivated by the risks they face while defending the country, rather than opposition to improved salaries.

The former governor recalled an incident in which soldiers were killed by insurgents after what he described as a delayed rescue effort, saying the episode raised serious questions about the protection available to troops deployed in dangerous environments.

“My concern was palpable when soldiers were lost to insurgents due to a delayed rescue effort, prompting me to question how those defending us could be left vulnerable in their time of need,” Obi said.

He stressed that better remuneration should be accompanied by improved operational capacity and adequate protection for military personnel.

Obi said that, if elected president, the welfare and safety of members of the Armed Forces would be among his administration’s priorities.

“Should I be elected President, the well-being, resources, safety, and honour of our soldiers will be a paramount priority,” he said.

He added that personnel responsible for protecting the country should not be treated as a secondary priority by government.

“Those who ensure Nigeria’s security must never be relegated to a secondary concern,” Obi said.

The Labour Party presidential candidate further pledged to ensure that Nigerian troops were adequately equipped and protected in the line of duty.

“Under my leadership, scenarios where our servicemen and women are left unprotected in the face of peril will be eradicated,” he said.

Obi urged Nigerians to disregard the report attributing the controversial position to him, saying it did not reflect his views on the Armed Forces.

He reaffirmed his commitment to presenting what he described as a clear and consistent vision for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.

“I implore the Nigerian populace to dismiss this misleading report,” he said.

Obi concluded by reiterating his belief that a safer and more prosperous Nigeria was achievable, signing off with his familiar political slogan: “The realisation of a new and secure Nigeria is indeed POssible.”