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The National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry, has appealed to retired military personnel to remain calm and patient as the Federal Government works to address their demands for pension adjustment and other outstanding entitlements.
THE WHISTLER recalls that
Military retirees stormed the Ministry of Defence in Abuja on Wednesday to demand payment of their over 12 months’ salary arrears and asked for their inclusion in President Bola Tinubu’s recent salary raise.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Lt.-Col. Innocent Azubike (rtd) demanded payment of salary increase arrears approved for the military since November 2025.
He said: “It’s been in the news all over. The military high command at every given location keeps thanking the president for the salary increase. This is August 2026; they have not implemented (arrears for pensioners), as if it’s a scam,” he said.
But Henry, in a statement issued on Thursday, commended veterans for their mature and peaceful conduct and for calling off their planned public protest in Abuja.
She urged veterans’ associations and members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to choose dialogue over public demonstrations, assuring them that the Federal Government had given firm assurances that all outstanding entitlements and approved pension increases would be paid.
According to her, the government holds Nigerian veterans in high esteem and considers their welfare a matter of national priority.
“You have sacrificed your youth for the peace of this nation, and that sacrifice is not forgotten. Please be assured that behind the scenes, the Federal Government is actively working to resolve all administrative processes and ensure that every single entitlement due to our veterans is cleared,” Henry said.
She also disclosed that the government was prioritising the healthcare needs of veterans, particularly war-wounded personnel.
Henry said the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Legion were pursuing strategic partnerships and international support to significantly improve the health and wellbeing of war-wounded veterans.
She listed ongoing interventions to include the provision of prosthetic limbs for amputees, hearing aids for veterans with auditory impairments, corrective eye surgeries for those with visual ailments, as well as wheelchairs and other mobility aids for physically challenged veterans.
The Nigerian Legion chairman further urged retired military personnel to remain disciplined, orderly and law-abiding, as they were trained to be during their service years.
She warned veterans against allowing their noble community to be exploited by individuals seeking to cause civil unrest, and assured them that “change and relief are on the way.”
Henry thanked the pensioners for their continued loyalty, dedication and patience, and reaffirmed the Legion’s commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of Nigerian veterans.
(The Whistler)
