Military retirees protest exclusion from minimum wage, other benefits

There was tension in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), yesterday, as aggrieved military pensioners protested exclusion from the new minimum wage and sundry benefits after their retirement.

The protesters, under the aegis of Ex-Servicemen and Family Welfare Association, temporarily disrupted activities at the Ministry of Finance Headquarters, where they held the protest.

In a protest letter signed by its National President, Anthony Agbas, the group appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to pay the 20 months minimum wage arrears to the veterans, which they said was approved since April 2019.

The protesters also demanded the refund of all monies deducted from the pension of medically discharged officers and soldiers who had been “receiving pension since 40 years”, adding that they spent their youthful years to keep the country united.

They also appealed to the Federal Government to pay all the retired officers and soldiers the Security Debarment Allowance and not just a select few.

But the Nigerian Legion, the umbrella body for retired military personnel, said it was not involved in the protest.

The Director of Corporate Affairs, Nigerian Legion, Morenike Henry, said that those involved in the protest were not members of the Legion.

She disclosed that the new leadership of the Nigerian Legion had taken up the matter and had been interfacing with concerned government agencies, adding that the protest might have been triggered by impatience or lack of trust in government.