Soldiers Against President Tinubu? Serious Tension Looms As Nigerian Soldiers “Expose” Plans Regarding August Protest
According to reports from SaharaReporters, Nigerian soldiers have expressed their support for the upcoming nationwide protest against bad governance, scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10. These military personnel, who are engaged in counter- insurgency operations in the Northeast, are not exempt from the widespread economic hardship affecting the country.
The soldiers revealed that the poor economic conditions under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, as well as previous governments, have left many of them in financial distress. They disclosed that to meet basic needs, they have resorted to selling their personal belongings, including cars, televisions, and household items.
One soldier stationed in Borno shared his frustrations, stating, ” 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. We need urgent intervention. If not, things will gradually go out of control. Many soldiers can no longer pay for their children’ s NECO, WAEC fees, not to mention university or higher institution fees. ”
He continued, ” There’ s hunger in all army barracks right now. Soldiers are selling their property to survive until the end of the month. 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 for rich people to help us soldiers. All Nigerians should know there is hunger in the barracks. We are human beings like every Nigerian. Our salaries and allowances are too poor. Again, we’ re in support of this peaceful protest that’ s coming on August 1, 2024. The current situation in the country is very unfortunate and worrisome.
“Another soldier emphasized the widespread support for the protest among the ranks, noting that ” about 97% of soldiers are in support of this protest due to 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 because our salaries don’ t last a week. Nigerians should come out and protest; it’ s their right. The suffering is enough and no longer acceptable. ”
This outpouring of support from the military highlights the depth of the economic crisis facing Nigeria. The soldiers’ testimonies underline the widespread discontent and the urgent need for government intervention to alleviate the suffering of both civilians and military personnel.