The Military High Command on Wednesday ordered aggrieved and protesting military pensioners to vacate the entrance to the Ministry of Finance in Abuja.
The military stated that the actions of the protesting retirees were seriously affecting the smooth running of activities at the Ministry.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, stressed that the Defence Headquarters acknowledges the right to legitimate protest.
However, he strongly advised the veterans to exercise caution and vacate the premises of the Federal Ministry of Finance in order to allow for normal government functions to resume.
General Kangye reiterated that government policies have defined dates of implementation, and this case is no exception.
While condemning the incessant protests by some discharged soldiers at the Ministry, the Director recalled that the government implemented the new minimum wage for all federal workers in July 2024.
He noted that, prior to the implementation of the new minimum wage, gratuity and the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) were calculated using an earlier salary chart.
He added that following the policy change, a new salary structure was introduced.
The two salary charts, he said, are as follows: “Pre-Minimum Wage Chart – Effective 1 January to 28 July 2024. Minimum Wage Chart – Effective 29 July 2024 to date.”
Speaking on the calculation of gratuity and SDA, General Kangye explained: “Gratuity and SDA for military personnel are calculated based on the salary chart in effect on the date of retirement. Unfortunately, the soldiers who retired between 1 January and 28 July 2024, before the implementation of the new minimum wage, want their gratuity and SDA to be calculated based on the new minimum wage chart.”
This, he said, is not possible because the new minimum wage policy only came into effect on 29 July 2024.
According to him: “Thus, soldiers who fall within the category of the Pre-Minimum Wage Chart are the ones who continue to protest and construct barricades at the Federal Ministry of Finance, despite being educated on the existence and implications of the two salary charts by the Defence Headquarters.”
Linus Aleke
Follow us on:
