After 38 years of retirement, ex-soldiers, appeal to Buhari to pay their pensions

Over 1,000 retired soldiers have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently approve the payment of their pensions, saying having served for more than 10 years during the Nigerian civil war and beyond, they deserve to be paid their pension and not be allowed to die in penury.

The appeal was made by the chairman of the 63NA Elders Association Volunteer Soldiers, Lance Corporal Ajayi Peters rtd in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

Peters with registration No 63NA113886 who spoke on behalf of other soldiers noted that “they are dying because for over 38 years there have been several promises to pay them their entitlement without fulfilment.”

He explained that they joined the military with sole intention to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria, adding that it was a total dehumanisation and lack of human dignity for them to be languishing in poverty after diligently serving their fatherland.

“I must confess when we were enlisted there was no enlightenment. Our intention was to defend the nation but unfortunately, the Army didn’t give any explanation. There was no special arrangement for majority of us. Many of us were illiterates.

“We were enlisted in 1968 and we retired in 1979. Many of us served for not less than 10 years, but while we were leaving they didn’t inform us to complete 15 years’ service as the rule required then.

“When we were leaving in 1979, the army also promised to pay the balance of 14 Pounds of our monthly salaries, because they paid 5 Pounds. Up till now the money was not refunded including the allowances for being at the war fronts.

“If they had informed us to serve up to 15 years, we would have complied. Now we can’t fend for ourselves; we have taken several steps to get our benefits, but we were told by a Major in charge of our case that it is only Mr. President that can authorise the payments of our pensions,” he said.

In a letter dated 30 June, 2015, from the Military Pensions Board (MPB) which was made available to journalists, the Board promised the retired soldiers that they will carry out investigation over the nonpayment of their pensions, saying a feedback would be provided within shortest time.

The letter which was titled ‘Re: We are dying, save our souls!’ and signed by General Manager, Public Sector Pensions, G.E. Usoro read in part, “We acknowledge receipt of your letter of 9 May, 2014 on the above subject.

“The Commission wishes to inform you that your complaint has been forwarded to the Military Pensions Board (MPB) for investigation of the issues raised with a view to taking appropriate action to resolve them.

“We would revert to you as soon as possible as we receive a feedback from MPB in this regard,” the letter read.

However, Peters said they are still waiting for the action till date.