The coalition of aggrieved military pensioners, yesterday, protested in Abuja over alleged non-payment of their pensions by the Federal Government.
The retired military personnel embarked on a peaceful protest in Abuja on the intersection to the Presidential Villa on Shehu Shagari Way and later made for the National Assembly, but were stopped on both occasions by soldiers of the Guards Brigade.
The protesters, who came from different parts of the country, claimed the Government was yet to pay their pension arrears since 2010.
The retired military personnel embarked on a peaceful protest in Abuja on the intersection to the Presidential Villa on Shehu Shagari Way and later made for the National Assembly, but were stopped on both occasions by soldiers of the Guards Brigade.
The protesters, who came from different parts of the country, claimed the Government was yet to pay their pension arrears since 2010.
They brandished placards, some of which read: “Mr. President hijacked arrears approved by Senate for payment,” and “Mr. President, pay our pension arrears or forget 2015.”
The group accused President Jonathan of not obeying the directive of the Senate to pay their pensions, saying the President’s attitude did not show appreciation for their sacrifices for the nation.
The pensioners, who spoke through Colonel Henry Ikoghode (rtd), demanded that the government computed their pension arrears based on the consolidated Armed Forces salary structure.
They also asked for the immediate implementation of national minimum wage as approved in the armed forces salary structure.
The veterans also requested that rent and furniture allowances be included in their pension’s calculations and payment of all outstanding pension arrears from 2010 to date.
Colonel Sani Saleh (rtd) argued that their pension was reviewed by 53.37 per cent in July 2010 by President Jonathan but had not been paid, despite the review three years ago.
