By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The 8 Division Acting Army Deputy Public Relations Director, Lt Col. Okechukwu Eze has cleared the air on the allegations making the rounds that troops in the North West are not well fed and their allowances not paid as at when due.
“While we strive to ensure peace in all troubled places in our jurisdiction, welfare of our personnel remains top priority, ” the Nigeria Army joint operation Hadarin Daji of the North West has posited.
In a press release made available to news men to debunk the allegations that were circulated in some On-Line platforms, the 8 Div Acting Army Deputy Public Relations Director, said the GOC has always been personally present with the troops and do feeds from the same source with them.
Lt. Col. Eze also stated that apart from the allowance of December 2023 which is still being processed, troops of the Operation are not owed anything as erroneously claimed by some of the online publishers.
Eze stated that it is pertinent to state that contrary to the claim of poor feeding of the troops, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, who is always physically present as the vanguard of ongoing clearance operations in Zamfara State, to ensure socio-economic activities continue to flourish in the state for the past two weeks, has been feeding from the same source as the troops, demonstrating his commitment to their well-being and morale”.
Lt. Col. Eze also hinted that the 8 Division GOC who is the Commander of the Operation Hadarin Daji, runs an inclusive open door policy that encourages any officer or soldier to approach him with their concerns, ideas and challenges regardless of rank or appointment, to ensure that they discharge their duties effectively.
The spokesman said it is baffling that headquarters which has earnestly prioritized the welfare of its troops has been alleged of depriving them of their entitlements. And added that while they acknowledge that there could be gaps in dispensing troops ration, they could be isolated cases that would have received prompt attention if brought to the knowledge of the authority through available channels of communication, as the GOC places premium on the well-being of his troops.
He also disclosed that the Division also wishes to state that it does not only recognize the importance of ensuring the well-being of its officers and soldiers, but also understands the positive impact it will have on their performance and overall morale.
Eze also swore that they will remain dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the troops and will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure that they are adequately catered for accordingly.
