A group of retired soldiers under the umbrella of Voluntary Discharged Soldiers 1st and 2nd quarters Retirees of the Nigerian Army are currently protesting at the Ministry of Finance Headquarters, Abuja, to demand the payment of their statutory gratuities and entitlements.
The angry protesters barricaded the main gate of their building and prevented the staff and officials of the ministry from gaining access.
The ex-servicemen, some in military camouflage, are demanding the immediate payment of outstanding shortfalls in their gratuity, Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), and parking allowance.
They are also demanding 43 months’ withheld salaries before gratuity and pension payment, wage award palliative total payment.
The aggrieved protesters turned down the entreaties by a senior military officer, an Air Vice Marshal, who arrived at the scene to appeal and pacify the protesters, just as the veterans remained adamant and refused to vacate the entrance, insisting their demands must be met before any dialogue could commence.
One of those who spoke to newsmen, Sergeant Augustine Agommo (rtd), described the disdainful treatment of the retired soldiers as absurd, ridiculous, and unacceptable.
He disclosed that the Military Pensions Board had not helped in the matter when they were informed.
The board claimed the retirees are not entitled to the new national minimum wage adjustments, citing their disengagement date of July 1, 2024, as the basis.
He said they served the country and sacrificed their lives, but they were being treated with disrespect.
“We are living heroes and deserve to be recognized and treated right, not celebrated as fallen heroes when we are no more. We gave our best years to the nation. Many of us are suffering with our families while the system continues to deny us what is rightfully ours,” he lamented.
Official activities in the ministry have been disrupted as of the time of filing this report.
The leaders and representatives of the protesting retired soldiers have been asked to meet with the top ministry officials.
Armed security operatives, including the Nigerian Army, have been stationed in front of the building to forestall possible breakdowns of law and order.
No official statement has been issued by the Ministry of Finance or the Military Pensions Board on the matter.
(Sahara Reporters)
