War Veterans Give Federal Government 28 Days to Settle Unpaid Benefits

• Retired soldiers who fought for the federal government during the civil war demand pensions, giving a 28-day ultimatum for settlement
• War veterans express dismay over government neglect, warning of mass protests on January 15 if pension demands remain unmet

Retired soldiers who served during the civil war and fought for the federal government have expressed dismay over the non-payment of their pensions, even 40 years after the war’s conclusion. The war veterans are now giving the federal government a 28-day ultimatum to settle their benefits, warning of mass protests scheduled for January 15, 2024, if their demands are not met.

In a statement signed by their national coordinator, Corporal Babawande Philip, and national secretary, Corporal Okewuyi Bayo, the veterans accused the government of neglect and unfair treatment. They emphasized the lack of recognition for the sacrifices they made during the civil war.

The veterans had previously reached out to the government through letters to the president, the National Assembly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Military Pension Board, and the Ministry of Defence in October. However, they claimed to have received no response.

Expressing their dissatisfaction, the statement reads, “We are displeased with the way the successive governments have treated us. 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.”

The veterans find it distressing to witness their colleagues who fought against the government receiving monthly pensions, while their own struggles for the past 40 years have gone unrecognized. They lamented that many of their comrades have passed away during this prolonged struggle.

The statement concludes with a firm resolution to initiate nationwide protests starting from January 15 if the government fails to address their demands by January 14. The war veterans assert that these protests will be extensive and prolonged until they receive the benefits they believe rightfully belong to them.