Activist and social commentator Justice Crack has dismissed claims by the Minister of Defence that he advised Nigerian soldiers to remove meat from their meals as a way of improving their welfare, describing the allegation as false, misleading, and defamatory.
The activist’s response follows remarks attributed to the Defence Minister during a public engagement on military welfare, where the minister referenced criticisms of the conditions of service for personnel of the Armed Forces and suggested that Justice Crack had once proposed that soldiers could improve their welfare by removing meat from their meals.
Reacting to the claim, Justice Crack denied ever making such a statement, insisting that the minister had misrepresented his comments.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, the activist said at no point did he ask soldiers to stop eating meat or suggest that such a measure would address the welfare challenges facing military personnel.
“I never asked soldiers to remove meat from their meals,” he said, adding that the allegation was entirely fabricated.
Justice Crack maintained that his advocacy has consistently focused on improving the welfare, remuneration, equipment, and overall working conditions of Nigerian security personnel rather than encouraging cost-cutting measures at their expense.
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According to him, the challenges confronting members of the Armed Forces require meaningful policy interventions, including better salaries, adequate allowances, improved accommodation, quality healthcare, modern equipment, and comprehensive support for the families of personnel serving in conflict zones.
The activist argued that attributing the statement to him not only misrepresented his views but also diverted attention from the broader conversation about improving the welfare of soldiers who continue to battle insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats across the country.
He further described the minister’s comments as defamatory and urged public officials to verify information before making public statements that could damage the reputation of individuals.
The exchange comes amid renewed discussions on the welfare of Nigerian military personnel after the Defence Minister recently announced that the Federal Government had increased the minimum monthly salary of soldiers to #100,000 as part of a broader welfare review.
The government has also highlighted ongoing investments in military infrastructure, procurement of modern equipment, housing schemes, healthcare services, and other initiatives aimed at improving the conditions of service for members of the Armed Forces.
Justice Crack, however, maintained that constructive criticism of government policies should not be misconstrued or attributed to statements he never made. He reiterated his support for reforms that would improve the welfare and operational effectiveness of Nigeria’s security personnel.
The public disagreement has generated reactions on social media, with supporters of both the activist and the Defence Minister debating the accuracy of the minister’s claim and the broader issues surrounding the welfare of soldiers.
As of the time of filing this report, the Defence Ministry had not issued any further clarification regarding the activist’s denial. The exchange has added to the ongoing national conversation about military welfare and the government’s efforts to strengthen the morale and effectiveness of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
