Civil War Veterans to Protest Unpaid Pensions on January 15, 2024
Retired soldiers who fought on the side of the Federal Government during the Civil War are set to embark on a protest on January 15, 2024, over their unpaid pensions, 40 years after the war.
In a statement released on Monday, the veterans, represented by their national coordinator, Babawande Philip, and National Secretary, Okewuyi Bayo, expressed their discontent with the Federal Government’s neglect despite their sacrifices to keep Nigeria unified.
The statement reads, “We are displeased with the way successive governments have treated us. Despite several letters and entreaties to draw attention to our plight, we have been neglected. In October, we wrote to 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.”
The veterans consider the treatment received from the Federal Government as unfair and a disservice to the sacrifices they made to ensure the nation’s unity. They highlighted the stark contrast of their situation with their colleagues who fought against the government, receiving monthly pensions while they have struggled for the last 40 years. The statement emphasizes that many of their members have passed away in the struggle.
Consequently, the veterans have resolved to commence another round of nationwide protests to assert their demands. “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 until January 14 to do the needful. Our protests will be massive and protracted until we get what rightfully belongs to us.”
Credit Punch News