Ex-soldiers threaten to embark on protests over pension, gratuity
- Some retired military men appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to bring the veterans back on the pension payroll of the Nigerian Armed Forces
- The group under the coalition of Concerned Veterans say many veterans who served up to 10 years in active capacity were not being catered for in the present military pension policy
Some ex-soldiers have called on the Buhari administration to cater for them like their Biafran comrades were taken care of. Some retired military men have threatened to embark on a protest in Abuja to draw attention of government to the plight of ex-soldiers.
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The ex-soldiers under the coalition of Concerned Veterans appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to bring the veterans back on the pension payroll of the Nigerian Armed Forces due to the prevailing harsh economic condition in the country, Vanguard reports.
The spokesman for the group, Mr. Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts said the protest planned by the group had become necessary because of the high cost of living caused by the current economic recession.
He said: “We are not unaware of the dwindling economic fortunes of the country and the far reaching effect in addressing numerous challenges in a country like ours.
“However, the welfare and wellbeing of military veterans is a top priority because of their sacrifice in nation building and sustainable democracy.
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“Therefore, if democracy must continue to thrive, concerted efforts by government must be geared towards not sending wrong signals to those still serving and would soon join us.’’
“Therefore, if democracy must continue to thrive, concerted efforts by government must be geared towards not sending wrong signals to those still serving and would soon join us.’’
“We the retired, remain their beacon of hope."
Durowaiye-Herberts complained that many of veterans who served up to 10 years in active capacity were not being catered for in the present military pension policy like their Biafran comrades were taken care of.
He however commended the efforts of the minister of defense and chief of defense staff as well as management of military pension boards for organising an interactive session, where stakeholders bare their minds.
In a similar development, soldiers who fought during the 30-month Biafra civil war have sent a touching message to President Muhammadu Buhari to pay their pension which has not been made for the past 38 years.
The Sun reports that the soldiers under the aegis of Able Voluntary Retired or Discharged Ten Years and Above Military Service sent a letter to the president asking him to look into their case.
Sergeant Kasali Busari who is the national coordinator of the group spoke in Ibadan on Wednesday, December 28 said the group has lost of its members due to financial difficulty.
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