A group of retired soldiers, who valiantly fought for the federal government during the civil war, has expressed deep frustration over the government’s failure to fulfill its pension obligations four decades after the conflict. These veterans are now issuing a stern ultimatum, giving the federal government a 28-day deadline to disburse their long-overdue benefits, with the threat of mass protests looming if their demands are not met by January 15, 2024.
In a strongly worded statement released yesterday and signed by their National Coordinator, Corporal Babawande Philip, and National Secretary, Corporal Okewuyi Bayo, the veterans voiced their grievances. They accused the government of neglecting and forsaking them, labeling the treatment they’ve received as unfair and a blatant disregard for the sacrifices they made during the civil war.
Expressing their disillusionment with successive governments, the veterans highlighted their efforts to draw attention to their plight through letters and entreaties. Despite reaching out to key authorities, including the president, the National Assembly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Military Pension Board, and the Ministry of Defence in October, the veterans claim to have received no response.
The statement read, “We are displeased with the way the successive governments have treated us. Despite several letters and other entreaties to call their attention to our plights, we have been neglected. In October, we wrote the president, the National Assembly, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Military Pension Board, and Ministry of Defence. To date, we have not heard a word from them.
“We consider the treatment meted out to us by the Federal Government as unfair and a disservice to the sacrifice we made to ensure the nation remains as one. It is heart-rending to see our colleagues who fought against the government get the monthly pension that we have been struggling for in the last 40 years. It is worthy to note that many of our members have died in the struggle.
“On this note, we have resolved to commence another round of nationwide protests to press home our demand. We have been pushed to the wall and we believe this is the only way to get what we deserve. Starting from January 15, we will be taking to the streets. The government has from now till January 14 to do the needful. Our protests will be massive and protracted until we get what rightfully belongs to us.”
The retired soldiers pointed out the stark irony that while they continue to wait for their pensions, some of their colleagues who fought against the government receive monthly payments. The veterans lamented the loss of many comrades who have passed away in the struggle over the years.
As January 15 approaches, the retired soldiers are firm in their resolve to initiate nationwide protests, emphasizing the urgency for the government to address their longstanding grievances. The veterans are adamant that their protests will be both substantial and prolonged until they receive the pensions they rightfully deserve.
