Nigerian Retired Soldiers Protest Unpaid Entitlements at Finance Ministry

A large group of retired soldiers in Nigeria have taken to the streets to protest the non-payment of their entitlements by the government. The protesters, who are mostly retired military personnel, barricaded the entrance of the Finance Ministry in Abuja, causing a major disruption to activities in the area. The retired soldiers, who claimed to have served the country for many years, stated that they were owed various entitlements, including pensions, gratuities, and other benefits. They alleged that despite their repeated appeals to the government, their demands had fallen on deaf ears. The protesters, who were dressed in their old military uniforms, carried placards and banners with inscriptions such as ‘Pay us our entitlements’ and ‘We served Nigeria, pay us our dues’. They also sang solidarity songs and chanted slogans, demanding that the government take immediate action to address their grievances. The leader of the group, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, stated that they had been patient for too long and could no longer continue to suffer in silence. He emphasized that the government had a responsibility to cater for the welfare of its citizens, particularly those who had served the country in various capacities. The protesters also called on the government to investigate the activities of some corrupt officials who they alleged had embezzled funds meant for their entitlements. They threatened to continue their protest until their demands were met, warning that they would not be intimidated or coerced into abandoning their struggle. The protest, which started early in the morning, caused a major traffic gridlock in the area, with many motorists and pedestrians forced to take alternative routes. The police and other security agencies were deployed to the scene to maintain law and order, but they did not attempt to disperse the protesters. The Finance Ministry, in a statement, acknowledged the protesters’ grievances and promised to look into their demands. However, the protesters remained skeptical, stating that they had heard similar promises in the past that were not fulfilled. The Nigerian government has been facing criticism over its handling of the welfare of retired military personnel, with many accusing it of neglecting their needs. The government has also been accused of corruption and mismanagement of funds, which has led to the non-payment of entitlements to many retired soldiers. The protest by the retired soldiers is the latest in a series of demonstrations by various groups in Nigeria, who are demanding better treatment and improved welfare from the government. The government has been urged to take immediate action to address the grievances of the protesters and ensure that their entitlements are paid promptly. The Nigerian military has also been called upon to intervene in the matter and ensure that the welfare of its retired personnel is protected. The protest has highlighted the need for the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, particularly those who have served the country in various capacities. It has also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, to prevent corruption and ensure that funds are used for their intended purposes. The government has been warned that if it fails to address the grievances of the protesters, it could lead to further unrest and instability in the country. The international community has also been called upon to intervene in the matter and put pressure on the Nigerian government to respect the rights of its citizens, particularly those who have served the country. The protest by the retired soldiers is a wake-up call for the government to take immediate action to address the welfare of its citizens and ensure that their entitlements are paid promptly.

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