By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted november 6th, 2024
The protest by retired military personnel under the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) at the Federal Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, in Abuja has led to swift action by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who ordered the immediate release of funds to settle their outstanding entitlements. This includes the payment of pension arrears, a 20% and 28% salary increment owed for 11 months, and other related benefits.
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The veterans, who engaged in a peaceful two-day protest, emphasized their frustration with the delayed payments by refusing to leave the ministry’s premises until they received their entitlements.
The protesting ex-service men carried banners and placards with emotional inscriptions, calling attention to their plight and the urgency of their demands. They also staged an overnight sit-in at the ministry.
In response, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, intervened on Friday, highlighting the federal government’s commitment to addressing the grievances of the veterans.
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Dr. Matawalle thanked President Tinubu for his decisive response, which included the approval of funds for the settlement of three months of salary increases, Pension arrears and other outstanding entitlements owed to the retired military personnel.
A statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, he stated that the minister confirmed that payment alerts for the salary increases are already being received by military personnel.
Matawalle also acknowledged the contribution of his colleague, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, for to ensuring the successful disbursement of the funds.
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The Defence Minister emphasized the administration’s readiness to prioritize the welfare of ex-servicemen and fulfill its obligations promptly.
Among other demands by the retired military officers are the non-payment of their palliatives and its arrears from October 2023 to November 2024.v The Minister promised to pay them 50% of our 20/28 and 320000, minimum wage. While other entitlement will be among ongoing issues to be discussed.
The protesters also highlighted others as bulk SDA payments with new template regardless of retirement year, VFN bill to be reviewed and passed in line with global best practice and many others.