Some retired soldiers who fought on the Federal Government’s side during the Civil conflict have vowed to stage a demonstration on January 15, 2024, over unpaid pensions 40 years after the conflict.
In a statement issued on Monday by their national coordinator, Babawande Philip, and National Secretary, Okewuyi Bayo, the veterans chastised the Federal Government for abandoning them despite their sacrifices to keep Nigeria afloat.
He said:
“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 while we have been struggling for 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 rightful belongs to us.”
cc: Punch Ng
