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There’s Hunger In Barracks And We’re Selling Our Property – Nigerian Soldiers Back #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protest
Some Nigerian Army personnel fighting in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast say they are in support of Nigerians taking to the streets to protest the prevailing hardship, hunger, and bad governance.
A nationwide protest in Nigeria themed “End Bad Governance in Nigeria” has been planned for August 1 to 10.
According to some of the soldiers who spoke to SaharaReporters, the military personnel are also affected by hardship and the bad economy.
They claimed the current government of Bola Tinubu and previous ones had impoverished those of them in the lower cadre.
The soldiers noted that to meet their basic financial needs, they have to sell their cars, televisions, housing properties and others.
“We soldiers here in Borno are in full support of this protest due to the hardship in the country, everything has now gone up in prices. Our salaries can no longer sustain these current prices right now, we need urgent intervention. If not, things will gradually go out of control, many soldiers cannot longer pay for their children NECO, WAEC fees not even talk of university or higher institutions fees,” one of the soldiers told SaharaReporters.
“There’s a hunger in all army barracks right now, soldiers are selling their property for them to survive till end of the months, this has been happening since January 2024. We need palliatives in the barracks as well. Please the general public should help us too, this is the right time the rich people should help we soldiers.
“All Nigerians should know there is hunger in the barracks, we are human beings like every Nigerians, our salaries and allowances are too poor. Again, we’re in support of this peaceful protest that’s coming on 1st of August 2024. The current situation in the country is very unfortunate and so worrisome.”
Another army personnel added, “Sir about 97% of soldiers are in support of this protest coming up on August 1st due to the poor salaries and allowances. Only the corrupt Generals and commanders are against the protest, we junior soldiers are also victims of bad government, we cannot feed our families cause our salaries don’t last a week. Nigerians should come out and protest, it’s their right, the suffering is enough and unacceptable anymore.”
The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Manu Haruna celebrates May Day with Nigerian workers in Taraba and across Nigeria.
Senator Manu in a congratulatory letter to all Nigerian workers said:
“Your labour towards building a virile nation shall never be in vain as you celebrate May Day today in Nigeria and across the globe.
The former Taraba State Deputy Governor acknowledged the invaluable contributions of workers across various sectors and emphasized their crucial role in driving the nation’s development and progress.
He encouraged continued solidarity among workers while advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and enhanced opportunities.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of workers across the state.
This assurance was given during a meeting with the leadership of organised labour unions held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, the meeting served as a platform for open and constructive dialogue on critical labour matters.
The statement outlined key areas of intervention currently being addressed by the government.
These, he said, included the timely payment of salaries and pensions, as well as the resolution of salary arrears, with approval already granted for the payment of newly employed workers at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the judiciary.
Similarly, he said medical workers in the local government areas would receive their proper wages.
He said the minimum wage was being implemented for all local government employees across the state.
The administrator also noted that his administration was currently reviewing challenges related to the contributory pension scheme, ahead of the July 2025 implementation deadline.
Ibas disclosed that plans were underway to expand the fleet of intervention buses reintroduced to ease the transportation burden of workers.
On capacity building, the administrator announced that specialised leadership training for senior civil servants would begin within the next two weeks.
He also revealed that the government was actively considering the implementation of the N32,000 consequential pension adjustment, along with measures to clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees.
While commending workers for their dedication to service, he called for continued collaboration with labour unions to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the state.
According to the statement, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor, expressed appreciation to the administrator for the steps already taken to promote workers’ welfare.
Agwanwor also lauded the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged the sustained support and cooperation of labour unions in achieving shared goals.
Meanwhile the NLC has directed its members in the state to observe the International Workers’ Day as a peaceful rally, which is expected to be held within the premises of the union, involving all affiliate unions, and would focus on advocating for the restoration of democratic governance in the state.
Panic has gripped residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as multiple explosions rocked the Giwa Barracks in the early hours of Thursday.
The incident reportedly began at about 12:05 am, with residents in the vicinity forced out of their homes by the sounds of loud blasts and the sight of red flares lighting up the sky around the barracks.
While the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, residents living in the area confirmed that the blast came from the armoury area
One of the residents, Rakiya Garba, confirmed the presence of men of the fire service, with sirens sounding all around the area
“We are safe, but we are in fear. The explosion is coming from inside the barracks. It is not an attack because we are not hearing gunshots.
“However, it has been a sporadic explosion,” she confirmed
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Borno state, Dr Umar Kadafur, has called for patience, saying that the explosion is a result of a fire incident that erupted at an Armoury of Giwa Barracks
He dismissed reports speculating that it was a Boko Haram attack.
He encouraged everyone to remain indoors, as security operatives are on top of the situation.
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