[size=18pt]S’West military pensioners protest over arrears[/size]

Monday, 06 May 2013 00:00 From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan and Charles Coffie Gyamfi, Abeokuta News - National


• Task Mark, seek Ajimobi, Amosun’s intervention


AGGRIEVED military pensioners in the South-West Monday expressed regrets for fighting for the unity of the Nigerian nation during the civil war that lasted between 1967 and 1970.

The group at a protest in Ibadan, Oyo State over the inhuman treatment being meted out to them by the government, stated in anger that they always regret their role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation during the Nigeria civil war.

The placard-carrying military pensioners who disrupted activities at the government secretariat in protest against their plight maintained that fighting to ensure the unity of the country was a regrettable decision.

Chairman of the pensioners, Gabriel Oaikhena, speaking on behalf of the protesting ex-soldiers said that if they had known that they would be so poorly treated, they would have fought for the survival and sovereignty of Biafra.

He said they came to draw the attention of Federal Government to their 53 per cent unpaid arrears and other allowances and not necessarily to disrupt government activities in the state.

To however, prevent untoward situation that may lead to breakdown of law and order, all gates leading to the secretariat complex were shut against the angry pensioners in addition to the deployment of Armoured Personnel Carrier, five police Hilux vans and scores of armed policemen that were stationed at the entrance of the secretariat.

With placards bearing different messages of condemnation of the attitude of the Federal Government described as discouraging, the ex-soldiers displayed the injuries they sustained during the Biafran War.

According to the chairman, “it is unfortunate that we are being treated in this inhuman manner after fighting for the unity of the country. Our mission to the office of Governor Abiola Ajimobi is to present a letter on our plight to him for onward delivery to President Goodluck Jonathan.

“We will not allow the government to rest until our money and other entitlements are paid. Many of us are still being paid N10, 000 as monthly pension while they are wasting millions over there, it is not fair”.

Another ex-soldier, Gabriel Ohabana said, “we have been pushed to the wall. The families of over 500,000 soldiers who lost their lives in Biafra are suffering. We who are alive are just living as destitute.

“Many of us have died because they did not have money to treat and fend for themselves. Senator David Mark has spent about 12 years and he has done nothing for us. When the militants were pushed to the wall, they took up arms and fought with the last pint of their blood”, the angry ex-soldier stated.

Also, military pensioners in Ogun State yesterday appealed to the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to prevail on the Federal Government to pay their outstanding pension arrears immediately.

The pensioners, under the aegis of Military Pensioners of Ogun State made the appeal during a protest to the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. They decried the “nonchalant attitude” of the Federal Government towards their welfare, saying it (government) had only paid lip service to their well being.

Chairman of the Association, Sgt. Samuel Awosanya (rtd), who spoke, noted that since 2009 when the Federal Government approved a 53 per cent increase in their pension, it had not effected it, lamenting that with the present economic hardship what they currently earn as pensions could not sustain them.

“Most of us can no longer meet up with our responsibilities to our families. We live in hunger and most of our children are out of school because we cannot pay their fees. Our members are dying on a daily basis because they cannot afford hospital bills. This is why we are calling on you as a listening governor to help us take our case to the Federal Government. We have suffered enough for the country”, he disclosed.

According to him, the decision to approach the governor stemmed out of their conviction that Amosun was a listening and caring leader who “Is always concerned about the welfare of the entire workforce, including retirees in the Ogun State Civil Service”.

The pensioners also commended the state government for its rebuilding mission, which impact, according to them, was being felt throughout every nook and crannies of the state.

Responding, Amosun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa promised that their case would be taken to the Federal Government with a view to ensuring that the matter was resolved within the shortest possible time.

He commended the protesters for conducting themselves in a civil manner and appealed to them to continue exercising patience, as the case was beyond what the state government could handle on its own.

“Although what you have come for is a Federal Government matter, I can assure you on behalf of Mr. governor that necessary steps will be taken to assist in getting your case to the appropriate quarters. For us in Ogun State, whatever affects you affects us because you are our people”, the SSG said.


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