Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has said that the government of Bola Tinubu is committed to the implementation of the approved peculiar allowance, increase in rent subsidy for paramilitary officers and men under the supervision of the Ministry.
The Minister made the declaration while on a magazine programme Brekete Family of Human Rights Radio in Abuja, a statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Interior, Afonja Fatai Ajibola, said on Tuesday in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo dismissed insinuation from some quarters that money meant for the implementation of the new allowances has been misappropriated.
The Minister added that peculiar allowance for the Paramilitary services was approved this year by the government which is going to be embedded in their salaries.
He explained that at time the allowances were approved by Income Salaries and Wages Commission, the 2023 budget had gone, saying the payment would take effect after appropriation by the National Assembly in the next year’s budget.
Tunji-Ojo, while making further clarification on the matter said that all these processes were necessary procedures because nobody spends government funds outside budget, stating that doing otherwise, is criminal act.
The Minister assured all the beneficiaries that they would get every kobo that had been approved for them, stating that nobody would misappropriate their new allowances, this he vowed would never happen under his watch.
He also disclosed that he is already working with the Income Salaries and Wages Commission to regularise the salaries of Paramilitary officers to be at par with the Police. According to the Minister, because of the risks the services take while on operations.
Tunji-Ojo said his Ministry is working assiduously in creating a Paramilitary Pension Board (PPP), as the case with the Military and Police Pension Board, respectively.
He said these services deserve it, stating that due to the operational hazards they encountered while on duty.
The Minister said all these measures he had taken were for his men to be happy while on duty, noting that this would heighten their spirits and patriotism to the nation, adding that: “to whom much is given, much would be expected”.
He used the occasion on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thanked all security operatives for their service to Nigerians.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNAL
