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Former Senate President, Ali Ndume, on Wednesday called on the former Chief of Defence Staff and newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retired), to advocate for the Nigerian Army’s participation in the First Line Charge to ensure smooth and prompt financial support for military activities.

First Line Charge—referred to as statutory transfer—is a unique financial category where government bodies get their budgetary funds directly from the Federation Account, prior to other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

Individuals currently under statutory transfer include the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Assembly, the Universal Basic Education Commission, and the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Ndume announced this in a statement released following the former CDS’s confirmation in Abuja on Wednesday.

Musa, who was nominated by President Bola Tinubu after his predecessor, Abubakar Badaru, left the position, had previously appeared before the Senate for evaluation.

The novel “The Red Chamber” has subsequently recognized him as the new Minister of Defense.

Ndume contended that transferring the military to a statutory framework would remove bureaucratic delays that frequently hinder the disbursement of funds for acquiring weapons, ammunition, and other essential supplies required to combat the insurgency.

He stated, “Although I praise his appointment, which many Nigerians agree he is worthy of, he needs to persuade his superior, the President and Head of State, about the importance of placing the Nigerian Army in a leading position.”

In addition to sufficient financial support for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, timely allocation of resources is crucial.

He must make sure the military receives its full capital budget, as without these funds, operations will be affected.

Ndume emphasized that the government’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and assets should not be undermined.

Protecting lives and assets is crucial. It is stated in the Constitution that the government’s role is to safeguard its people, and we must cease merely talking about it without action.

He further stated that there should be no reason for postponing the disbursement of funds for the military to cover purchases and other critical requirements.

He also called on Musa to focus on the well-being and pay of armed forces members, many of whom, he claimed, still face difficult circumstances despite their efforts.

My stance regarding improved welfare for our Armed Forces is already known to the public. They are not the most generously compensated in the West African subregion.

“Something needs to be done immediately to show them that we appreciate the sacrifices they keep making for everyone else,” he stated.

Ndume’s comments reflect long-standing worries regarding the state of Nigerian troops, particularly those stationed in the North-East fighting Boko Haram and ISWAP.

For many years, soldiers have expressed frustration over delayed wages, unprovided allowances, substandard living conditions, extended missions, lack of proper equipment, and inadequate safety supplies.

Numerous internal military investigation reports and statements from soldiers’ families have pointed out that combat troops frequently use obsolete weapons, deal with exhaustion from continuous operations, and face significant mental pressure.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).