Retired Military Officers, wives and families of deceased personnel on Monday protested at the Headquarters of the Defense Ministry in Abuja to demand payment of their unpaid Security Debarment Allowance and others.
The protesters under the aegis of Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Coalition of Concerned Veterans ( CCV) accused the Minister of Defense, Major- Gen Bashir Magaji of refusing to pay their allowances even when President Muhammadu Buhari has made approval.
Spokesman of the (CCV) , Abiodun Durowaiye- Herbert who addressed reporters during the protest said they had gathered with their wives and other members of their families and would not leave until their demands are met.
” We are here alongside our wives and children, and the widows of late Military personnel and veterans who died in service, some of whom died fighting Boko Haram terrorists. We’ll be sleeping over at this place until the Minister of Defence,Magaji accedes to our demands.
Also speaking, National Secretary RMNAF ,Roy Okhidievbie said they have had meetings with the Defences Minister in respect of their Debarment Allowance but he is unwilling to address their plight.
” We have had meetings with the Defence Minister ,Magaji,but he appears to be headstrong , heartless and unperturbed concerning the grievances of retired Military Officers.as he never paid or showed any interest or concern to pay their allowances , especially the Security Debarment Allowance
” Interestingly, President Buhari – led administration has approved the payment of this allow, but Magaji has refused to make disbursements ” He said.
