Military retirees; Photo: Odita Sunday
Military retirees have blocked the entrance gate of the Defence Ministry, demanding payment of their benefits by the federal government.
Some of the ex-soldiers who retired between 2020 to 2022 gathered at the defence headquarters main gate under the aegis of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV).
The protesting senior citizens laid their prayer mats at the two gates in front of Ship House, which invariably means that they may not leave there until their demands are met.
Some of them traveled from different parts of the country to Abuja to demand for what they said is their right.
According to a passerby, who preferred anonymity, “These are images of the Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces and members of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans, laying siege at the premises of the Ministry of Defence, Abuja.
“This is what these loyal Veterans have sadly been reduced to over the non-implementation of their Security Debarment Allowance, which President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR had graciously given approval of 134 billion Naira to, but the MoD has deliberately refused to push for the quick implementation.
“The Veterans, blocking access to the Ship House, have vowed, for the sake of the sick and bedridden amongst them, never to vacate the premises until their demands are met.”
“Mr President has approved the money and we are aware of it, but the Ministry has refused to pay us.” Said retired Staff Sergeant who left service in the year 2000.
Another, a retired Master Warrant Officer Walli Raymond said: “The president approved money to be paid to retired soldiers that were cut off, up till now, the ministry has refused to pay us our Security Debarment Allowance.”
Attempt to reach the Ministry of Defence proved abortive as the Director in charge of the Press could not take her call.
The Guardian
