Tag: soldiers

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Tinubu honours soldiers with new welfare fund on 74th birthday

President Bola Tinubu, has announced the establishment of a special fund to support members of the Armed Forces, including injured personnel and families of fallen soldiers, as he marked his 74th birthday.

In a statement released on Sunday, the President said he had instructed the Accountant-General of the Federation to open a dedicated account for the initiative.

“On this my 74th birthday, I celebrate the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces,” Tinubu said.

He explained that the fund is intended to provide financial support for service members wounded in active duty as well as the dependents of those who lost their lives in service to the nation.

“Today, I have directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a special account for a fund dedicated to those who serve, those wounded in the line of duty, and the families of those who have paid the ultimate price,” he stated.

Tinubu also pledged to contribute his personal earnings since assuming office as seed funding for the initiative.

“As a personal commitment, all my salaries since assuming office will be paid into this account as seed funding, irrespective of existing insurance and welfare schemes for members of our armed forces,” he said.

He further called on state governors, federal lawmakers, private sector actors, friends, and other stakeholders to support the initiative.

“I call on our governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, my friends and all well-wishers to support this initiative. Details of the account will be made available in due course,” the President added.

Tinubu stressed the importance of recognising the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, describing the initiative as a duty rather than charity.

“We must never forget those who stand in harm’s way for our peace, nor the sacrifices borne by their families. This is not charity. It is duty. And we will fulfil it,” he said.

In the personally signed statement, the President also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their goodwill messages on his 74th birthday, noting that he deliberately chose a subdued celebration.

He thanked citizens across the country for their prayers and support, saying such goodwill continues to strengthen his administration. (Leadership)

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Wike, soldiers bicker over alleged land grabbing

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Monday stormed Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, Abuja, following reports that soldiers had taken over the disputed parcel of land allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).

Speaking during the unscheduled visit, Wike expressed anger that government officials from the FCT Department of Development Control were chased away from the site by armed soldiers while attempting to enforce a stop-work order earlier issued by his office.

The soldiers had blocked entry into the plot with a truck and physically prevented the minister who had tried to make his way in.

Wike said the incident was brought to his attention after the FCT authorities discovered that the developers had no valid documents or legal approval for the property.

“You are aware that the land departments and Development Control have been mandated to monitor illegal developments and land grabbing in the FCT.

“When this matter was brought to my attention, I directed that nothing should take place on that plot since there were no legal documents or urban regional approvals. Unfortunately, I was informed that soldiers chased our officials away”, he said.

Wike said he was surprised to learn that the soldiers allegedly acting on the instructions of the former Naval Chief had taken over the property.

“I don’t understand how someone who once occupied such a high office cannot come to the FCT Minister to explain his situation but instead uses soldiers to intimidate people. I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation”, he added.

According to him, when development control officials asked for the necessary land documents and building approvals, none were produced.

“How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who do not have the military or security forces to protect them?” Wike queried.

The Minister condemned any attempt to use security operatives to frustrate legitimate government enforcement actions, stressing that such behaviour would not be tolerated under his watch.

He disclosed that he had already spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the matter would be resolved amicably.

“We are not here for confrontation or to cause chaos, but I will not allow illegality to thrive. The same way we enforce the law in other parts of Abuja is the same way we will do here. No one, not even a former Chief of Naval Staff, is above the law,” Wike declared.

The FCT Administration had in recent months intensified efforts to curb land racketeering and illegal developments across the territory, with several high-profile properties already demolished for noncompliance with planning regulations. (Vanguard)