The Nigerian Legion, the association of retired military personnel, has disowned a protest staged by some persons claiming to be protesting for the rights of former Nigerian soldiers, which involved a sit-in at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja.
This was disclosed by the President of the Nigerian Legion, General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd), while speaking to journalists shortly after a meeting with veterans in Abuja. He explained that demonstrations or direct confrontation with the government is unbecoming of military discipline and what was inculcated into soldiers while in military service.
He said, “We are not in any way associated with those who organized this protest, including the sit-in at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja, because it goes against military conduct.”
General Abdulmalik also accused the protesters of politicizing their issues with the aim of undermining the leadership of the Legion and the Nigerian government, which has been making efforts to address the concerns of retired soldiers.
He said that the government would soon settle all outstanding debts owed to Legion members, including salary arrears, and see to the implementation of the pension plan during the leadership of the country’s Minister of Defense.
He added that even though the Legion has existed for over sixty years, it has never been so supported, more especially as the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has recently approved an increase in the financial aid by five hundred million Naira and two hundred million Naira from the National Assembly, all to celebrate this year’s Veterans’ Day.
Finally, he called on those who claimed to be championing the rights of retired soldiers to desist from actions that demoralize leadership and instead adopt constructive methods, since this is the only way their needs can be met and their cause advanced in regard to veterans.
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