Retired soldiers who fought on the side of the Nigerian government during the brutal civil war which ended exactly 53 years ago will take to the streets from 15 January 2024 in protest over their unpaid allowances.
The military pensioners accuse successive governments of neglecting them despite a series of letters sent to the authorities while their co-combatants who fought on the Biafran side never miss a pay.
The war veterans are now giving the government of President Bola Tinubu till 14 January to settle their benefits, warning of nationwide protests starting 15 January, if their demands are not met.
The group disclosed their plans in a statement signed by Babawande Philip and Okewuyi Bayo, the national coordinator and national secretary, respectively.
“We are displeased with the way the successive governments have treated us,” the statement read, “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.”
The retired soldiers said they have been “pushed the wall” and therefore have resolved to protest “to press home our demand.”
“We believe this is the only way to get what we deserve,” they said, “Our protests will be massive and protracted until we get what rightfully belongs to us.”
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