By Blessing Fali
Ex-servicemen have suspended their planned protest over pension adjustments following an assurance from the Minister of Defence that the Federal Government will address their grievances.
The retired military personnel had mobilised in Abuja to demand the implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions following salary increases approved for serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. They argued that retired personnel should also benefit from corresponding adjustments to their pensions and allowances.
The protest was earlier disrupted after armed soldiers and police officers prevented the retirees from accessing the Ministry of Defence premises. The development reportedly resulted in a tense confrontation between the serving security personnel and the ex-servicemen.
The retirees maintained that their demands were aimed at securing improved welfare and ensuring that pension adjustments arising from approved salary reviews for serving military personnel are extended to those who have retired from service.
Following the standoff, representatives of the ex-servicemen met with Defence Minister, Gen Christopher Musa, who assured them that their concerns would be looked into by the Federal Government.
The assurance prompted the retirees to suspend the planned protest while awaiting concrete action from the authorities.
The development is expected to ease tensions between the retired military personnel and the Ministry of Defence, although the ex-servicemen are still expecting the government to take practical steps towards resolving the pension issues.
The retirees have continued to emphasise that after years of service to the country, their welfare and financial security should receive adequate attention from the government.
Leave a comment