Dare Babalola
A group of discharged Nigerian soldiers resumed their protest in Abuja on Thursday, demanding the payment of their entitlements. The ex-soldiers converged on the Ministry of Finance headquarters in the nation’s capital, accusing the authorities of neglect and failure to honor promises made after their meeting last month.
The protesters had called off their protest on August 4, after a meeting with officials of the Ministries of Defence and Finance, who assured them that their outstanding entitlements would be paid by August 10. However, the ex-soldiers claimed that these promises were not fulfilled, forcing them to return to the streets.
“We are here because the promises made to us were never fulfilled. We had no choice but to return to the streets. This time around, the protest will be massive,” one of the protesters who identified herself simply as Mama G told Punch.
The ex-soldiers are demanding that their entitlements be paid immediately, and they are determined to see this through to the end.
This is not the first time the group has demonstrated. In recent years, retired soldiers have repeatedly taken to the streets in Abuja and other cities over what they describe as unfair treatment and neglect. The ex-soldiers have expressed frustration and disappointment with the government’s handling of their benefits, and they are determined to get justice.
The Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters, and Military Pension Board have yet to issue an official response to the protest. The ex-soldiers are hopeful that their demands will be met, and they can finally get the benefits they deserve after serving the country.
The protesters added that they are determined to fight for their rights, and they expect the government to take immediate action to address their concerns.
