NEC confirms 3 groups of ex-servicemen

The National Executive Council has reaffirmed its earlier position and confirmed that only three groups of ex-servicemen are genuine claimants and eligible for payment by the state for an estimated sum of K23,815,079.70.
The earlier decision contained in its Decision No. 159/2010 rejected further claims by the 1360 and 323 groups.
Announcing the decision, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said a state team last February revealed that only three groups of ex-servicemen include :
l Colonial ex-servicemen who will receive a total – K5,425,526.20;
l Ex-servicemen in the 185 group – K5,500,000; and,
l Ex-service retrenched between 1982–1989, comprising the 334 group – K12,389,553.50.
The state team also determined a reasonable legal cost incurred by these groups to be paid by the state at K500,000 which shall be taxed at 10% and paid directly to the Internal Revenue Commission.
O’Neill said the government’s stand was based on a rigorous investigation and consultative process and that final entitlements for those eligible were based within the confines of the law.
“NEC is therefore advised that its Decision No. 159/2010 must be reaffirmed as the government’s official position on the matter.
“Any deviation from this position may prove detrimental to what is already a costly exercise for the government in dealing with only three groups of ex-servicemen,” O’Neill said.
All ministers have been directed to take note of the government’s official position and refrain from making any commitments, political or otherwise, to the ex-servicemen.