Defence Headquarters Cautions Ex-Soldiers Against Organising Protests
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has cautioned retired soldiers protesting at the Federal Ministry of Finance over the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), describing their demonstrations as unlawful.
In a statement on Friday, September 5, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said the protests were disrupting official activities at the ministry and would no longer be tolerated.
“While the Defence Headquarters recognises the right to legitimate protest, veterans are strongly advised to exercise restraint and vacate the premises of the Federal Ministry of Finance to allow normal government operations to continue without obstruction,” Kangye stated.
He clarified that neither the government nor the DHQ owed ex-soldiers any SDA arrears, noting that payments were being processed based on the wage chart in effect at the time of retirement.
According to him, personnel who retired between January 1 and July 28, 2024, were paid under the pre-minimum wage chart, while those who retired from July 29, 2024, onward were placed under the new chart following the implementation of the revised wage structure.
“Unfortunately, soldiers who retired before the implementation date have insisted their benefits should be calculated with the new minimum wage chart, which is not possible. Government policies have effective dates of implementation and this case cannot be an exception,” Kangye stressed.
He urged the ex-soldiers to respect laid-down processes and desist from further illegal demonstrations.
