By Damilare Adeleye
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the release of funds for the payment of pension arrears, salary increases, and other entitlements owed to retired military personnel.
The directive was issued following a peaceful protest by the military veterans at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja.
Retired soldiers under the group of Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) had carried out two days protest over non-payment of the 20% and 28% increment for 11 months in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The ex-soldiers said they would not leave the Federal Ministry of Finance gate except they saw credit alerts, as they stayed up all night.
It was reported that the ex-servicemen shut down activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance with music, displaying banners, different placards and inscriptions on Wednesday.
However, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, on Friday announced that President Tinubu has ordered the release of funds for the payment of all entitlements owed to retired military personnel.
Matawalle, who expressed gratitude to the President for his swift intervention, also commended Tinubu for ensuring the prompt payment of the three-month salary increase and the release of funds for the settlement of pension arrears and other owed entitlements to retired military personnel.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, the minister confirmed that payment alerts for the salary increases had already been received by military personnel.
Matawalle also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, for his dedication to ensuring the successful disbursement of the funds.
He urged the Nigerian military to remain steadfast in their duties, reassuring them of the President’s resolve to boost morale and provide necessary support to address insecurity across the country.
