According to several reports, Soldiers who had sustained injuries in the war against Boko Haram insurgents and receiving medical treatment at the 44, Army Referral Hospital, Kaduna, have made their complaint about being forsaken in the recent special promotions for those fighting insurgency in the country.
The soldiers made their problem known when Muhammad Muhammad, general officer commander (GOC), 1 division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, visited them while they were on their sick beds.
According to The Cable, the visit of the General Officer Commander was part of the activities that will be marking the annual West Africa Social Activities (WASA) which was held at the parade ground of the 2 battalions, Ribadu cantonment, Kaduna, on Saturday. The soldiers cried out that despite their personal sacrifices, they were not included among the over 3000 soldiers that were just given special promotions recently.
They also made another complaint which was about their welfare, saying at the moment they are not capable of providing for their families.
One of the soldiers told the General Officer Commander that his allowance has not been paid between the month of February and October 2017.
Another soldier said he is incapacitated currently as he can no longer go for any operation in order to take care of his family.
He made an appeal to the authorities for financial assistance.
While he explained that the visit was part of activities for the WASA, he said their complaints would be forwarded to the chief of army staff, who according to him, is very emotional about the soldiers and officers’ welfare.
“I will make a case for you and I will get back to you,” he said.
He said the WASA which took place on Saturday and it was deem fit for him to visit and prove that the Soldiers that were receiving treatment have not been forgotten.
“We will send your share of the goodies we enjoyed during the WASA so that you know that we are with you,” he said.
In an interview with journalists after going round the wards, Muhammad said the soldiers were in good hands.
“Having gone round to see the patients in the different wards who are victims of our ongoing operations, my assessment of what has been done so far, is that they are in good hands,” he said.
“The much that is needed to give them hope is being given to them. Treatment wise, the treatment by doctors and caregivers has been so wonderful.
“Some of them are due for evacuation to India. The assessment by the medical team here determines who goes where. The gravity of the ailments also determines who goes first.
“Concerning the issue of promotions and welfare, the chief of army staff is very passionate about the welfare of soldiers and officers.”
